CGAS
Also written as: CGAS — Children's Global Assessment Scale
Children's Global Assessment Scale, a numeric rating scale measuring overall functioning in children and adolescents.
Full Definition
The Children's Global Assessment Scale is a clinician-rated instrument that provides a global measure of functioning in children and adolescents aged 4-16 years. Scores range from 1 (most severely impaired) to 100 (superior functioning), with specific anchor points describing levels of psychological, social, and occupational functioning. The scale considers the most impaired level of functioning during a specified time period and is widely used in research and clinical practice to track treatment progress and outcomes. CGAS scores are often required for insurance authorization and treatment planning in child and adolescent mental health services.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the time period being rated when documenting CGAS scores.
In Context
- "The initial CGAS score of 45 indicated serious impairment in multiple areas of functioning." — Initial assessment report
- "Treatment progress was documented through quarterly CGAS ratings showing improvement from 35 to 65." — Outcome measurement summary