What type of disorders are represented on Axis II of the DSM?

Axis II of the DSM primarily focuses on personality disorders and intellectual disabilities. Personality disorders are enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that significantly deviate from cultural expectations, are pervasive and inflexible, and lead to distress or impairment. Examples of personality disorders include borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder, among others.

Understanding personality disorders' classification on Axis II is crucial because they can often have a profound impact on an individual’s social, interpersonal, and occupational functioning. While mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders fall under other axes, they do not belong to Axis II. For instance, mood disorders and anxiety disorders are typically classified under Axis I, which includes clinical disorders that require clinical attention. By distinguishing between various types of disorders, the DSM aims to provide a comprehensive framework for diagnosing mental health conditions, aiding in appropriate treatment planning and intervention strategies.