GAF score
Also written as: GAF — Global Assessment of Functioning
Global Assessment of Functioning scale rating a patient's overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning.
Full Definition
The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score is a numeric scale from 1-100 used to rate an individual's overall level of psychological, social, and occupational functioning. Higher scores indicate better functioning, with scores above 70 generally indicating mild or no symptoms. Though removed from DSM-5, GAF scores remain widely used in clinical documentation, treatment planning, and disability assessments. The scale helps track patient progress over time and communicate functional status to other healthcare providers and insurance companies.
Usage
Usage note: Write as 'GAF score' not 'GAF Scale' in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's GAF score improved from 45 to 65 following six weeks of intensive outpatient treatment." — Progress note
- "Initial GAF score of 30 indicates serious impairment in social and occupational functioning." — Intake assessment