Am J Psychiatry 1985; 142:1437-1441
Copyright © 1985 by American Psychiatric Association
The validity of DSM-III axis IV (severity of psychosocial stressors)
M Zimmerman, B Pfohl, D Stangl and W Coryell
One hundred thirty depressed inpatients were rated on DSM-III axis IV on
the basis of information collected from a comprehensive life events
interview. Axis IV scores were more highly correlated with undesirable than
desirable events, with exits than entrances, and with time-limited than
chronic events. Higher axis IV scores were associated with a lower rate of
abnormal dexamethasone suppression test results, a higher morbid risk for
alcoholism, a greater frequency of personality disorders, and a greater
likelihood of attempted suicide during the index episode.
