What is the focus of Axis II in mental health diagnosis?

Axis II in mental health diagnosis specifically focuses on personality disorders and intellectual disabilities. Under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), personality disorders represent enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture. These patterns are pervasive and inflexible, leading to significant functional impairment or distress.

This axis was designed to help clinicians differentiate between more temporary mental health issues, which might be captured on other axes, and those stable and chronic conditions that manifest across a wide range of contexts. By examining personality disorders in this way, clinicians can gain clearer insights into how these issues may interact with other mental health diagnoses, potentially influencing treatment approaches.

While psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders are serious mental health concerns, they are categorized under different axes, namely Axis I. These categories typically include more episodic and acute symptoms compared to the enduring nature of personality disorders assessed under Axis II. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment planning.