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.
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...
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
ReplyDeleteBrian- Thanks for clearing that up it is definitely fluid and can change. This is why it is important to look at the number as only additional information and not as the says all be all. I'm glad you're always reading to clear things up and to make sure I don't make too many mistakes :)
ReplyDeletePa Ul- Thanks for the visit and I will definitely check out your blog.
So who assigns the number? Just psychiatrists, or other mental health workers too?
ReplyDeleteHello, 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.
ReplyDeleteUseful stuff! Your blog is great - I scrolled through a couple of your other posts and I think you're offering a helpful resource for writers. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteA-Z @ Elizabeth Twist
So does 100 mean that they can function in any situation? I wonder how often that happens.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting blog! I'm very fond of psychiatric knowledge applied to fiction, also any other type of knowledge pertaining to the branches of psychology. Besides, nutcases are always interesting! ;)
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very interesting. I like how you're applying (and sharing with us!) your knoweldge from your profession to your love of writing.
ReplyDeleteI think I don't want to know my GAF! I'm trying to visit all the A-Z Challenge blogs this month.
ReplyDeleteinteresting to know about the GAF! Love the theme of your blog:)
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Stopping by from the A to Z Challenge. Your F disorder reminds me of a woman I know who is always dramatically "ill."
ReplyDeleteHi...I'm hopping over from the A to Z Challenge. Lovely post...good luck with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteDonna L Martin
www.donasdays.blogspot.com
I remember this from nursing school!!
ReplyDelete