# 1.62

(1 pts.) A psychologist suspects that Dan's psychotic episode may be related to the recent death of his wife. On which DSM-IV Axis would this stressful event be recorded?

A) Axis I
B) Axis II
C) Axis III
D) Axis IV
(My answer is D) Am i right?

I would agree.

Multi-axial system
The DSM-IV organizes each psychiatric diagnosis into five dimensions (axes) relating to different aspects of disorder or disability:
Axis I: All diagnostic categories except mental retardation and personality disorder
Axis II: Personality disorders and mental retardation (although developmental disorders, such as Autism, were coded on Axis II in the previous edition, these disorders are now included on Axis I)
Axis III: General medical condition; acute medical conditions and physical disorders
Axis IV: Psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to the disorder
Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning or Children's Global Assessment Scale for children and teens under the age of 18

Yes, you are correct. The stressful event of Dan's wife's recent death would be recorded on DSM-IV Axis IV. Axis IV is specifically designated for capturing psychosocial and environmental stressors that may contribute to the individual's current mental condition or disorder. In this case, the death of Dan's wife is a significant life event that is likely to have a significant impact on his psychological well-being, possibly contributing to his psychotic episode.