The impairment associated with a mental or behavioral problem can be classified using AMA criteria.
Areas or aspects of functioning:
(1) activities of daily living
(2) social functioning
(3) concentration. persistence and pace
(4) adaptation to change
Impairment Class |
Functioning |
none |
no impairment noted (unrestricted) |
mild |
compatible with most useful functioning |
moderate |
compatible with some useful functioning, but not in all |
marked |
useful functioning significantly impeded |
extreme |
essentially unable to function usefully |
Activities of daily living:
(1) adhere to basic standards of neatness and cleanliness
(2) ability to communicate
(3) ability to travel
(4) sleep and rest
(5) sexual functioning
Social functioning:
(1) ability to interact appropriately with the general public
(2) ability to ask simple questions and to request assistance
(3) accept instructions and to respond appropriately to criticism from supervisors
(4) get along with neighbors, coworkers and strangers
(5) maintain socially appropriate behavior
Concentration:
(1) ability to carry out short, simple instructions
(2) ability to follow complex instructions
(3) maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time
(4) perform tasks according to a given schedule
(5) adhere to a regular schedule of attendance
Adaptation to change:
(1) to respond appropriately to changes in environment or schedules
(2) awareness of normal hazards with use of appropriate precautions
(3) to be able to travel to unfamiliar places
(4) to set realistic goals
(5) make plans independently of others
A person with extreme impairment in one or more areas, or with severe impairment in two or more areas, would be unlikely able to complete a complex task.
A person with multiple mild to moderate impairments may be able to perform some but not all complex tasks.
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychiatry