GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning)
100-point clinician-rated scale measuring overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning. DSM-IV Axis V standard. Scores <50 indicate serious impairment. Public domain. APA (1994).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a GAF score of 50 or below mean?
A GAF score of 50 or below indicates serious impairment in psychological, social, or occupational functioning. Scores in the 41–50 range describe serious symptoms such as suicidal ideation, severe obsessional rituals, or severe impairment in social, work, or school functioning. Scores of 1–10 represent the most severe end of the scale.
Is the GAF self-report or clinician-administered?
The GAF is clinician-administered. A trained mental health professional or physician assigns a single score based on clinical observation, interview, and collateral information. It cannot be self-scored by patients and is not a questionnaire.
Can the GAF diagnose a mental disorder?
No. The GAF reflects overall functional severity but does not diagnose any condition. It was one component of the DSM-IV multiaxial system (Axis V) and is intended to support clinical decision-making, not to replace a full diagnostic evaluation.
Why was the GAF removed from DSM-5?
DSM-5 (2013) de-emphasized the multiaxial structure and recommended the WHODAS 2.0 (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule) in place of the GAF, citing limitations in reliability and concerns about conflating symptoms with disability. Despite this, many insurers, electronic health record systems, and state agencies continue to require GAF scores.
References
- 1.Endicott J, Spitzer RL, Fleiss JL, Cohen J. The global assessment scale: a procedure for measuring overall severity of psychiatric disturbance. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976;33(6):766-771.View source
- 2.Jones SH, Thornicroft G, Coffey M, Dunn G. A brief mental health outcome scale — reliability and validity of the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Br J Psychiatry. 1995;166(5):654-659.View source
- 3.Grootenboer EM, Giltay EJ, van der Lem R, et al. Reliability and validity of the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale in clinical outpatients with depressive disorders. J Eval Clin Pract. 2012;18(2):502-507.View source
- 4.Schorre BE, Vandvik IH. Global assessment of psychosocial functioning in child and adolescent psychiatry. A review of three unidimensional scales (CGAS, GAF, GAPD). Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2004;13(5):273-286.View source
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The GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) qualifies for reimbursement under these CPT codes (US).
Last reviewed: Jun 3, 2026
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