GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONING (GAF)
91-100 | Superior functioning in a wide range of activities, life’s problems never seem to get out of hand, is sought out by others because of his or her many positive qualities. No symptoms |
81-90 | Absent or minimal symptoms ( e.g., mild anxiety before an exam ), good functioning in all areas, interested and involved in a wide range of activities, socially effective, generally satisfied with life, no more than everyday problems or concerns ( e.g., an occasional argument with family members ) |
71-80 | If symptoms are present, they are transient and expectable reactions to psychosocial. stressors ( e.g., difficulty concentrating after family argument ); no more than slight impairment in social occupational, or school functioning ( e.g., temporarily falling behind in schoolwork ). |
61-70 | Some mild symptoms ( e.g., depressed mood and mild insomnia ) OR some difficulty in social occupational, or school functioning ( e.g., occasional truancy or theft within the household ), but generally functioning pretty well, has some meaningful interpersonal relationships. |
51-60 | Moderate symptoms ( e.g., flat affect and circumstantial speech, occasional panic attacks ) OR moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning ( e.g., few friends, conflicts with peers or co-workers ). |
41-50 | Severe symptoms ( e.g., suicidal ideation, severe obsessional rituals, frequent shoplifting ) OR any serious impairment in social, occupational or school functioning ( e,g., no friends, unable to keep a job ). |
31-40 | Some impairment in reality testing or communication ( e.g., speech is at times illogical, obscure, or irrelevant ) OR major impairment in several areas, such as work or school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood ( e.g., depressed man avoids friends, neglects family, and is unable to work; child frequently beats up younger children, is defiant at home, and is failing at school ). |
21-30 | Behavior is considerably influenced by delusions or hallucinations OR serious impairment in communication or judgment ( e.g., sometimes incoherent, acts grossly inappropriately, suicidal preoccupation ) OR inability to function in almost all areas ( e.g., stays in bed all day, no job, home, or friends ). |
11-20 | Some danger of hurting self or others ( e .g., suicidal attempts without clear expectation of death; frequently violent; manic excitement ) OR occasionally fails to maintain minimal personal hygiene ( e.g., smears feces ) OR gross impairment in communication ( e.g., largely incoherent or mute ). |
1-10 | Persistent danger of severely hurting self or others ( e.g., recurrent violence ) OR persistent inability to maintain minimal personal hygiene OR serious suicidal act with clear expectation of death.0 Inadequate information. |