A Comparison of DSM-II and DSM-III in the Diagnosis of Childhood Psychiatric Disorders: III. Multiaxial Features

Andrew T. Russell, Dennis P. Cantwell, Richard Mattison, Lois Will

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

A major feature of DSM-III is its multiaxial format. One purpose of this study was to examine the purported advantages of a multiaxial system as compared to those of a multicategory system, eg, DSM-II. We found that the multiaxial system led to a more complete and reliable diagnosis of complex clinical cases. Concomitant medical disorder and psychosocial stressors were coded with high levels of interrater agreement. We conclude that the multiaxial framework is a major strength of DSM-III.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1223-1226
Number of pages4
JournalArchives of General Psychiatry
Volume36
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1979

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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