Multiaxial systems of classification. Types of axes

Introductory remarks on the pros and cons of psychiatric diagnosis and classification lead to the conclusion that these are necessary tools for adequate and effective therapy, care and counselling of the psychically ill individual as well as for progress in research resulting in improvement of disease prevention or mental health care planning, etc. for all members of the community. The way to improve the tool of classification by multiaxial classification is illustrated by several existing systems and explanation of their underlying concepts. In discussing the various unsolved questions and difficulties one can conclude that multiaxial classification currently is at the very least a valuable tool of psychiatric education and training.