In its current form, DSM-III is of only limited value to family
therapists. The authors suggest several innovations that might render
future nomenclatures more useful. Axis II ratings that are interpersonal
and dimensional, rather than individual and categorical, might provide
important additional data for predicting and planning a family
intervention. Several available family classifications suggest ways in
which to derive an axis VI rating of family functioning. The authors
address a number of conceptual issues that make family classification
especially interesting and difficult.Abstract Teaser