Axis IV is part of the DSM "multiaxial" system for assessment. The five axis model is designed to provide a comprehensive diagnosis that includes a complete picture of not just acute symptoms but of the entire scope of factors that account for a patient's mental health. This page explains DSM Axis IV
Axis IV is for, "…reporting psychosocial and environmental stressors that may affect the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mental disorders" (quote from DSM IV).
Axis IV is fairly easy to understand: essentially, it is for recording life events - e.g. marriage, new job, death of a loved one - that may affect a patient's mental health diagnosis and treatment. For example, someone with an Axis I diagnosis of depression who had recently lost their job would have "job loss" or "unemployment" recorded on Axis IV.
Generally, only those stressors from the past 12 months are recorded on Axis IV; clinicians are encouraged to only list those problems which are relevant to the patient's current situation. In some cases, severe psychosocial and environmental problems such as sexual abuse may be part of an Axis I diagnosis.
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Axis IV problems are grouped into categories as follows;
The next edition of the DSM is scheduled for publication in May, 2013. Working groups are reviewing the multiaxial system to try to bring it more into line with international reporting standards (as opposed to U.S. standards) with the goal of having a global approach to mental health diagnosis. Axis IV is part of this process and is being specifically reviewed to attempt to bring it into line with similar ideas that are contained in the ICD (the WHO International Classification of Diseases).
From Edward Pierce, LCSW
Click below to find more related articles on Axis IV.
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