[Integration and evaluation of a standardized, multi-axis diagnostic system in pediatric psychosomatic medicine]

We present outcome data of 171 children with psychosomatic and child-psychiatric disorders and discuss the pros and cons of two standardized multiaxial diagnostic systems (DSM III and the Multiaxial System of Rutter 1975). Results and arguments were considered until a clearcut choice fell for the DSM-III. As a major conclusion we introduce the BAT-Index, a factor derived by comparing the psychosocial stressors (Axis 4 DSM III) to the highest level to adaptive functioning past year (Axis 5 DSM III) which can be helpful in estimating the to be expected changes and complications in therapeutic settings and gives us a good prognostic assessment of the patient.