<P> The DSM - IV is a categorical classification system . The categories are prototypes, and a patient with a close approximation to the prototype is said to have that disorder . DSM - IV states, "there is no assumption each category of mental disorder is a completely discrete entity with absolute boundaries" but isolated, low - grade and non-criterion (unlisted for a given disorder) symptoms are not given importance . Qualifiers are sometimes used, for example mild, moderate or severe forms of a disorder . For nearly half the disorders, symptoms must be sufficient to cause "clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning", although DSM - IV - TR removed the distress criterion from tic disorders and several of the paraphilias due to their egosyntonic nature . Each category of disorder has a numeric code taken from the ICD coding system, used for health service (including insurance) administrative purposes . </P> <P> With the advent of the DSM - 5 in 2013, the APA eliminated the longstanding multiaxial system for mental disorders . </P> <P> Previously, the DSM - IV organized each psychiatric diagnosis into five dimensions (axes) relating to different aspects of disorder or disability: </P> <Ul> <Li> Axis I: All psychological diagnostic categories except mental retardation and personality disorder </Li> <Li> Axis II: Personality disorders and mental retardation </Li> <Li> Axis III: General medical condition; acute medical conditions and physical disorders </Li> <Li> Axis IV: Psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to the disorder </Li> <Li> Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning or Child Global Assessment of Functioning (cGAF) </Li> </Ul>

What is the dsm-iv how do psychologists use it