What does Axis V of the DSM IV - TR evaluate?

Axis V of the DSM IV-TR focuses on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), which is a component designed to evaluate an individual's overall psychological functioning on a scale from 0 to 100. This scale assesses how well individuals cope with everyday life and their ability to function socially, occupationally, and in other areas of life. It provides valuable context regarding the severity of their mental health issues and the impact those issues have on their day-to-day functioning.

The GAF score helps clinicians to understand the level at which a person is operating in terms of their mental health and guides treatment planning. Overall, Axis V plays a crucial role in the diagnostic process by allowing healthcare providers to gauge the overall functioning of a patient, making it easier to identify the necessary support and interventions needed for recovery.