Interpreting the structure of diagnosis in initial evaluations: primary, auxiliary and rule out patterns

The study evaluates DSM III as a natural taxonomy, a system of categories devised for identifying complex objects represented as clinical conditions. Adults seeking initial evaluations constitute the study's population. An individual's clinical condition is examined in terms of a diagnostic format consisting of primary, auxiliary and rule out positions in Axis I and presence and number of diagnoses in Axis II. Each clinical condition thus differs with respect to complexity and diagnostic formats of such conditions are analyzed quantitatively. Differences between the sexes and the races with respect to number of Axis I and Axis II diagnoses are presented. The frequency of use of a diagnostic category is analyzed with respect to position on Axis I, and Axis II, and ratings of the perceived salience and efficacy of treatment plans of the disorders referenced by the category. The number of symptoms in conditions that differ with respect to level of complexity (i.e., number of diagnoses) are compared. An attempt is made to understand how Axis I and Axis II of the DSM III system are used by clinicians and also how they operate as devices to codify clinical information under conditions of relative uncertainty.