GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning)

The GAF is a 100-point clinician-rated scale measuring overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning. Introduced in DSM-III-R (Axis V); widely used in clinical documentation, treatment planning, and insurance. DSM-IV included. Public domain.

What is the GAF Scale?

The GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) is a clinician-administered rating scale that assesses an individual's overall level of psychological, social, and occupational functioning on a hypothetical continuum from severe impairment to superior functioning. It was developed for the DSM-III-R (1987) as Axis V and was a required component of DSM-IV multiaxial diagnosis. The scale ranges from 1 to 100, divided into 10-point anchor bands.

The GAF is designed to exclude impairment due to physical or environmental limitations, it rates only psychological, social, and occupational functioning. A clinician provides a single score by identifying the band that best describes the patient's lowest level of functioning in the past week. Scores of 50 or below indicate serious to severe impairment requiring clinical intervention. GAF scores are used extensively in treatment planning, progress notes, insurance documentation, disability determinations, and research.

The GAF was removed from DSM-5-TR (2013) in favor of the WHODAS 2.0 (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule), which measures functioning across six specific life domains. Despite this change, the GAF remains widely used in clinical practice, electronic health records, and insurance systems. It is in the public domain and free to use.

GAF Score Interpreter

Enter or move the slider to the GAF score assigned by the clinician to see the corresponding functional anchor description.

Educational reference only. The GAF is a clinician-assigned rating, scores must be determined by a licensed mental health professional or physician.

GAF Scale Anchor Descriptions

DSM-IV (APA, 1994). Axis V. Clinician rates the lowest level of functioning during the past week. Exclude impairment due to physical or environmental limitations. The score reflects psychological, social, and occupational functioning only.

GAF vs. WHODAS 2.0

DSM-5-TR (2013) replaced the GAF with the WHODAS 2.0 for greater cross-cultural validity and alignment with the ICF (International Classification of Functioning). However, the GAF continues to be required by many insurers, EHR systems, and state mental health agencies. Both scales are in the public domain.

Functional Outcome Tracking in HiBoop

GAF alongside PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, and Rosenberg RSE, longitudinal functional outcome monitoring and symptom tracking across your patient panel.