GAF score
Also written as: GAF — Global Assessment of Functioning
A numeric scale rating overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning, though largely superseded by newer assessment tools.
Full Definition
The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score is a 100-point scale that was used to rate an individual's overall level of psychological, social, and occupational functioning. Scores range from 1 (persistent danger) to 100 (superior functioning). While included in DSM-IV, the GAF was removed from DSM-5 due to reliability concerns, though some clinicians and insurance systems may still reference it in legacy documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Note that GAF is largely obsolete in current practice; verify current assessment tools when editing contemporary clinical documents.
In Context
- "The patient's GAF score of 45 indicated serious symptoms affecting social functioning." — Legacy clinical note
- "Insurance pre-authorization referenced the GAF score from the initial evaluation." — Insurance documentation