| Table To Article 21.02 - Assessment of Stress and Anxiety Disorders |
| Level |
Clinical Findings Subjective &Objective data |
Functional Effects |
Treatment and Prognosis |
Reactions to domestic, social & leisure situations |
Socioeconomic status including occupational effects |
| Level 0- 5% |
Subjective -
Intermittent psychiatric symptoms, past history of psychiatric illness which has resolved or is in remission.
Objective -
Nil or rare signs of stress |
Minimal or no interference with aspects of living. |
No treatment is sought or recommended. |
Unaffected or minor effects. |
None or minor interference with work or occupation. |
| Level 10% |
Subjective -
Psychiatric disorders which are very mild, but sufficient to warrant a psychiatric diagnosis.
Objective -
Others may notice only occasional disturbances of behaviour or emotion. |
Minimal or no interference with most aspects of living. |
Nil to minimal, no regular treatment sought and follow up by GP only. |
Minimal or no effects. |
Minimal or no interference with work or occupation. |
| Level 20% |
Subjective -
Mild but regular psychiatric symptoms which tend to cause subjective distress when symptoms occur. On most occasions veteran is able to distract him/ herself from this distress.
Objective -
Others would notice occasional disturbances of behaviour or of emotion. |
Minor interference in some aspects of living. |
Well controlled by maintenance or intermittent therapy. |
Transient over- reaction to untoward events. Occasional friction with family, friends and colleagues. |
Some effect in this area, but relatively mild. Exacerbations of symptoms may require short periods (i. e. days) off work. |
| Level 30% |
Subjective -
Recurring symptoms causing mild or episodic distress. Patient pre-occupation with
symptoms is apparent.
Objective -
Symptoms of mild neurosis becoming more persistent.
Minor findings. Distress is apparent. |
Minor interference in everyday situations. |
Symptoms readily controlled by medication; or medication recommended and occasional therapy required. |
Episodic family discord with some reduction in social contact and recreational activities. | Effects require some longer periods (i.e. a week at a time) off work. |
| Level 40% |
Subjective -
Frequent symptoms causing persistent distress. The patient will sometimes be unable to
distract him/herself from the distress that the symptoms cause.
Objective -
The distress is apparent and/or the patient's preoccupation with the symptoms is noticeable to astute observers or persons familiar with the patient. |
Moderate interference with function in everyday situations. |
Psychiatric treatment, at least as medication, has been tried or recommended. Periodic counselling from licensed counsellor is being provided or has been recommended. |
Frequent discord with family, friends and colleagues. Noticeable reduction in social activities. |
Symptoms causing effects on performance at work, requires longer periods (i.e. greater than a month) of absences necessary. |
| Level 50% |
Subjective -
Persistent symptoms causing considerable distress.
Objective -
Obvious continual distress. |
The level and frequency of symptoms causes major difficulties in everyday functioning. |
Continuing need for medication and psychiatric care. |
Continuing conflict with family, significant reduction in social and leisure activities. | Frequent lengthy periods of absence from work. |
| Level 60% |
Subjective -
Symptoms which are persistent. The patient will often be unable to distract
him/herself from the distress that the symptoms cause.
Objective -
The distress is quite apparent and the patient's preoccupation with the symptoms is evident.
|
Marked interference with function in everyday situations. |
Psychiatric treatment, at least as medication, has been instituted or deemed necessary with regular counselling from licensed counsellor. |
Marked social withdrawal. |
Major difficulties at work, lengthy periods of absences necessary. |
| Level 70% |
Subjective -
Very severe frequent symptoms causing considerable distress. Relief from the distress is
difficult to achieve even with a high level of support and reassurance.
Objective -
Major psychotic symptoms appearing intermittently. |
Level and frequency of symptoms causes major difficulties in everyday functioning, but not so severe as to be totally disabling. |
Need for intensive specialized psychiatric therapy on an outpatient basis, including medication and/or inpatient care for short periods. May have had transient certification. |
Permanent family discord. Marked social withdrawal. Loss of interest in most recreational
pursuits. |
An employed claimant will have had major difficulties which may have required job modification or restriction of career opportunities with probable job loss resulting. |
| Level 80% |
Subjective -
Severe psychiatric impairment with persistent symptoms.
Objective -
There will be overt evidence of the disease, chronic psychotic illness. |
May be able to continue to function but with gross restrictions. |
Longer periods of inpatient hospital care are necessary. Long-term, high dose, psychotropic drug regimes will have been started. |
Reacts adversely to all input. Deteriorating family function with strong possibility of
estrangement. General social withdrawal. Loss of interest in leisure activities. |
Unable to work, or if still working will be losing considerable time as a result of health - could lead to job loss or marked change in profession. |
| Level 90% - 100% |
Subjective -
Very severe symptoms of psychiatric illness.
Objective -
The presence of psychiatric illness is evident. |
Profound psychiatric impairment. Virtually all recreational, social or otherwise purposeful
activities abandoned. |
Continuous psychiatric treatment is essential, with a need for long periods in hospital and marked social support. |
Markedly dysfunctional. |
Profound psychiatric impairment. Virtually all recreational, social or otherwise purposeful activity abandoned. |
Providers & Professionals 
