Glossary A

Glossary A

Axis refers to a class of information in DSM-IV regarding an aspect of the individual's functioning. The DSM uses a multiaxial or multidimensional approach to diagnosing because rarely do other factors in a person's life not impact their mental health.

Axis I refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV-TR that identifies all of the clinical disorders that are present, except for the personality disorders and mental retardation.

Axis II refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV that indicates the presence of personality disorders or mental retardation.

Axis III refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV that identifies current medical conditions that may be relevant to the conceptualization or treatment of the disorders diagnosed on Axes I and II.

Axis IV refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV that specifies any psychosocial or environmental problems relevant to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Axis V refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV that provides a numerical index of the individual's overall level of functioning.

Axon refers to a long, thin part of a neuron attached to the soma; divides into a few or many branches, ending in terminal buttons.

Axon hillock refers to the swelling of the soma, the point where the Axon begins