A score of 1 to 10 on the Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) scale would indicate that a client was at risk for:
A.
Hurting himself or others.
B.
Serious impairment in social and occupational functioning.
C.
Mild difficulty in focusing.
D.
Mild difficulty in handling social situations.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Hurting himself or others.
The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale is a tool used by mental health professionals to assess an individual’s overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning. It was included in the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision) but has since been replaced by the DSM-5’s WHODAS 2.0 (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule) due to concerns about its reliability and consistency. However, understanding the GAF scale is still relevant in many clinical and educational settings.
The GAF scale ranges from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating more severe impairment. A score of 1 to 10 on the GAF scale reflects a client experiencing extreme impairment in functioning. This range indicates that the individual is in a critical condition, where the risk of harm to oneself or others is very high. Specifically, a score in this range suggests that the person may be in persistent danger of severely hurting themselves (e.g., recurrent suicide attempts) or others (e.g., violent behavior). Additionally, it can indicate an inability to maintain even the basic personal hygiene or severe impairment in communication, such as being incoherent or mute.
For instance, a client with a GAF score of 5 might be experiencing acute psychosis, severe depression, or a disordered thought process that leaves them unable to communicate effectively. This individual might also be displaying behaviors such as self-harm, aggression towards others, or an inability to care for basic needs like eating and dressing.
This score highlights the need for immediate and intensive intervention. Such clients often require hospitalization or close supervision to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. They may also need comprehensive treatment plans, including medication management, therapy, and possibly emergency interventions, to stabilize their condition.
In summary, a GAF score of 1 to 10 indicates that the client is at risk for severe outcomes, including the potential for self-harm or harming others, and underscores the necessity of urgent mental health care.