The aim of this study was to investigate relationships and differences between 2 scales assessing subject’s adaptative functioning. On the one hand, Axis V in the revised version of the Third Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM III-R) includes specific symptoms for each level of functioning described. On the other hand, the Psychosocial Aptitude Rating Scale (PARS) does not include clinical symptoms. A total of 78 psychiatric inpatients were rated independently with the 2 scales. The 2 ratings were correlated for the whole sample and for each diagnostic category. Diagnosis (Axis 1) explained 63.9% of the variance in the Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) Scale (Axis V) and only 23.8% in the Psychosocial Aptitude Rating Scale (PARS). Axis V is then made redundant by Axis 1 which is contrary to the aim of a multi-axial system. PARS describes aspects of the disorder that are distinct from clinical symptoms. These occupational and social aspects may be of great interest for a better overall evaluation of severity of mental disorders.
