AMA Criteria for Impairment Classes Associated with a Mental or Behavioral Disorder

 

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.