Which DSM-IV axis addresses psychosocial and environmental factors?

Which DSM-IV axis addresses psychosocial and environmental factors?

• A. IV
• B. I
• C. II
• D. III

Answer: (A)

The idea here is that DSM-IV uses a multiaxial system, with one axis dedicated to psychosocial and environmental factors. This axis is used to record problems in the patient’s social environment and supports that can affect illness and care—for example housing, employment, education, relationships, family stress, finances, legal issues, and access to care. These factors can influence the severity, course, and treatment response, so capturing them helps guide prognosis and management beyond the medical diagnosis. The other axes cover different domains (clinical disorders, personality/mental retardation, medical conditions, and overall functioning), while psychosocial and environmental factors are specifically placed on this axis.

The idea here is that DSM-IV uses a multiaxial system, with one axis dedicated to psychosocial and environmental factors. This axis is used to record problems in the patient’s social environment and supports that can affect illness and care—for example housing, employment, education, relationships, family stress, finances, legal issues, and access to care. These factors can influence the severity, course, and treatment response, so capturing them helps guide prognosis and management beyond the medical diagnosis. The other axes cover different domains (clinical disorders, personality/mental retardation, medical conditions, and overall functioning), while psychosocial and environmental factors are specifically placed on this axis.