GAF score
Pronunciation: gaf
Also written as: GAF — Global Assessment of Functioning
Global Assessment of Functioning score - a numeric rating (1-100) of an individual's psychological, social, and occupational functioning level.
Full Definition
The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) is a standardized scale used to assess overall mental health functioning, with scores ranging from 1 (persistent danger) to 100 (superior functioning). Although removed from DSM-5, many psychiatric facilities continue using GAF scores for treatment planning, outcome measurement, and insurance documentation. Scores are divided into ranges indicating severity levels: 91-100 (superior), 81-90 (absent/minimal symptoms), 71-80 (mild symptoms), and progressively lower scores indicating greater impairment. Clinical judgment combines symptom severity with functional capacity to assign scores.
Usage
Usage note: GAF is pronounced as 'gaf' not G-A-F. Note that DSM-5 replaced GAF with WHODAS, but many facilities still use GAF.
In Context
- "The patient's GAF score improved from 35 at admission to 65 at discharge." — Progress summary
- "Insurance authorization requires documentation of GAF scores below 50 for continued stay approval." — Utilization review guidelines