The reliability and validity of the proposed axis V (disabilities) of ICD-10.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the newly proposed axis V (disabilities) of ICD-10.


METHODS
Eighty-six acutely ill men and women were prospectively recruited from the Al Ain psychiatric units, UAE. Both versions of ICD-10, the Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines and the Diagnostic Criteria for Research (DCR) were used for coding axis I psychiatric diagnosis and its grade of severity; the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule was used to assess disabilities.


RESULTS
Inter-rater reliability of the DAS items ranged from moderate to good, and axis V ratings correctly predicted 84% of the observed classification on axis I.


CONCLUSIONS
Axis V is a valid measure of disabilities, but is limited by its modest reliability.
Daradkeh
T K
TK
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Saad
A
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014479:United Arab Emirates