Followers

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Letter G

Global Assessment of Functioning: A number assigned to an individual rating that individual's overall psychological functioning. Not a disorder but rather an easy way for other professionals to see the lowest level the individual was for the past year. An individual can receive a score from 0-100. For example if a person were to receive a score from 61-70 that individual would have some mild symptoms (e.g. depressed mood and mild insomnia) or some difficulty in a social context such as school or work. The lower the score the lower functioning individual. An individual would be hospitalized if they received a score below 50 in most cases. An average individual has a score above 80.

This score will change depending on the situation. For example an average individual going through a crisis will have a much lower GAF score than if that individual was in a normal situation.

11 comments:

  1. hospitalization is not guaranteed under a certain number...most of the kids i work with fall between 35 and 45...gaf is very situational too and can be fluid...it is a capture of the moment...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for a brief explanation of GAF, I am a transcriber as well besides being a therapist and a part time artist. It is nice to know your being creative to in posting. Do check out my G at GAC a-z.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So who assigns the number? Just psychiatrists, or other mental health workers too?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello, Fellow Challenger. I'm #408 from Rockin' Chair Reflections. Come visit when you can. So, what if the psychiatrist is at a 50 and no one has noticed? Wouldn't that be an interesting character? I like the way you're using psychology to help create characters.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So does 100 mean that they can function in any situation? I wonder how often that happens.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your blog is very interesting. I like how you're applying (and sharing with us!) your knoweldge from your profession to your love of writing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think I don't want to know my GAF! I'm trying to visit all the A-Z Challenge blogs this month.

    ReplyDelete
  8. interesting to know about the GAF! Love the theme of your blog:)

    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Stopping by from the A to Z Challenge. Your F disorder reminds me of a woman I know who is always dramatically "ill."

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi...I'm hopping over from the A to Z Challenge. Lovely post...good luck with the challenge!

    Donna L Martin
    www.donasdays.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I remember this from nursing school!!

    ReplyDelete

Show your support and keep my spirits hi (truly this all about me) by commenting and letting me know how fantastic, amazing, wonderful and terrific the posts are. Oh yeah and have fun with your comments, add to the story and above all comment!!