title: Quality of life: a dimension in multiaxial classification.
abstract: The study provides an overview of the historical aspects of multiaxial classification. Particular reference is paid to the multiaxial formats of ICD-10, DSM-IV and the WPA International Guidelines for Diagnostic Assessment (IGDA). The IGDA proposes a tetraaxial format with quality of life as one axis as well as an axis on symptomatology, an axis on adaptive functioning and an axis on environmental/psychosocial conditions. The axis on quality of life is added in recognition of the increasing importance placed upon the patient's perception of his/her capacity of self fulfillment and the attention paid to quality of life as a major descriptor of health status as well as an outcome measure of clinical care.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kastrup
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mezzich
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology