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The GAF
or Global Assessment of
Functioning is a scale intended to represent the continuum of Mental Health to
Mental Illness. The score represents the rater's opinion of the client's
overall functioning in both psychological and social/occupational areas, while
excluding impairment due to physical or environmental limitations .
Besides being used as an indicator of level of functioning,
the "Current" GAF gives a baseline to gauge functioning
variation (e.g. past 30 or 90 days) while the "Highest GAF Past Year"
might be a goal to work towards.
Be
careful to not let the "simplicity" of the scale let you forget the
significance of accurately applying it. Good "gaffing" helps us
understand where an individual is at, it also is likely to be the foundation of
service authorizations and outcome measurements. Consider consultation if uncertain.
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G
A
F
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Psychological and Social/Occupational
sub-scales
(e.g.
depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation, communication disorders; school problems for children, can't keep a job, fights, poor personal hygiene)
91-100 No
Symptoms; Superior in all areas 81-90 Absent or minimal symptoms;
Good;
just "every day" problems 71-80
Limited or expectable reactions; No more than slight impairment 61-70
Mild symptoms; Some difficulty but functioning pretty
well 51-60 Moderate symptoms;
Moderate difficulty 41-50
Serious symptoms; Serious impairment 31-40
Some
impairment in reality testing or communication; Major impairment in several areas
such as work, school, family relationships 21-30
Behavior is considerably influenced
by delusions or hallucinations OR serious impairment in communication or
judgment;
Inability to function in almost all areas. 11-20
Some danger of hurting self or others;
Occasionally fails to maintain minimal personal hygiene 1-10
Persistent danger of severely
hurting of self or others; Persistent inability to maintain
minimal personal hygiene OR serious suicidal act with clear expectation of death.
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