Physical factors affecting psychiatric condition. A proposal for DSM-IV.

A new diagnostic category, "Physical Factors Affecting Psychiatric Condition," is proposed for inclusion in the DSM-IV. In addition, there should be a new category called "Chronic Adjustment Disorder." Psychiatric syndromes meeting Axis I or Axis II criteria that arise as an emotional reaction to a chronic or episodic physical illness or disability should be subsumed under the diagnosis of "Physical Factors Affecting Psychiatric Condition--Specific Axis I or II syndrome." Psychiatric symptoms that do not meet other Axis I or Axis II criteria should be diagnosed as "Chronic Adjustment Disorder." These categories will be especially useful in consultation-liaison settings.