AO3 - Failure to Function Adequately

• The GAF scale is useful and can be used to assess the severity of a condition by putting the individual at the heart of the understanding and treatment.
• Most of the criteria are observable by the doctor, so we can see the effects and put treatment in place to help.
• Sometimes the criteria may be experienced as part of normal life; it is normal to suffer ‘personal distress’ when a loved one dies.
• This definition is subjective as it depends on the observer/ doctor recording the symptoms.
• This definition is culturally specific, and depends on the norms of that society.
• Using a set scale to measure behaviour is an objective way to record data.
• Failure to function adequately can be seen by others around the individual, so can be validated.
• In some cases abnormality does not always stop the person functioning.
• The ability to cope with everyday life depends on what is seen as normal everyday life.