When making a diagnosis using the DSM IV multi-axial assessment system, depression would fall under which axis?

When making a diagnosis using the DSM IV multi-axial assessment system, depression would fall under which axis?

• A. Axis 1
• B. Axis 2
• C. Axis 3
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Depression is a clinical syndrome that DSM-IV places on Axis I. This axis covers major mental disorders and clinical conditions that typically bring someone to clinical attention, including mood disorders like depression. The other axes describe different domains: Axis II covers personality disorders and intellectual disabilities, Axis III lists general medical conditions, Axis IV notes psychosocial and environmental problems, and Axis V provides a global assessment of functioning. So, the mood disorder category of depression fits on Axis I. (Note: DSM-5 removed the multi-axial format.)

Depression is a clinical syndrome that DSM-IV places on Axis I. This axis covers major mental disorders and clinical conditions that typically bring someone to clinical attention, including mood disorders like depression. The other axes describe different domains: Axis II covers personality disorders and intellectual disabilities, Axis III lists general medical conditions, Axis IV notes psychosocial and environmental problems, and Axis V provides a global assessment of functioning. So, the mood disorder category of depression fits on Axis I. (Note: DSM-5 removed the multi-axial format.)