Bipolar Disorder  & Global Assessment Of Functioning

The Global Assessment of Functioning is a numeric scale used by mental health clinicians and doctors to rate the social, occupational and psychological functioning of adults. The scale is presented and described in the DSM-IV-TR on page 32. Children and adolescents under the age of 18 are evaluated on the Childrens Global Assessment Scale, or C-GAS.

91-100

Superior functioning in a wide range of activities, lifes problems never seem to get out of hand, is sought out by others because of his or her many qualities. No symptoms.

81-90

Absent or minimal symptoms, good functioning in all areas, interested and involved in a wide range of activities, socially effective, generally satisfied with life, no more than everyday problems or concerns.

71-80

If symptoms are present they are transient and expectable reactions to psychosocial stresses no more than slight impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning.

61-70

Some mild symptoms OR some difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning, but generally functioning pretty well, has some meaningful interpersonal relationships.

51-60

Moderate symptoms OR any moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning.

41-50

Serious symptoms OR any serious impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning.

31-40

Some impairment in reality testing or communication OR major impairment in several areas, such as work or school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

21-30

Behavior is considered influenced by delusions or hallucinations OR serious impairment in communications or judgment OR inability to function in all areas.

11-20

Some danger of hurting self or others OR occasionally fails to maintain minimal personal hygiene OR gross impairment in communication.

1-10

Persistent danger of severely hurting self or others OR persistent inability to maintain minimum personal hygiene OR serious suicidal act with clear expectation of death.

0 Not enough infor