Anyone know what the DSM IV classification: Axis I- 313.9 means?

313.9 is a very nonspecific mental health disorder. Its technical title is "Unspecified emotional disturbance of childhood or adolescence" or "Mental disorder of infancy, childhood or adolescence NOS." Basically, it states that there does appear to be some kind of mental health problem in a child, but they cannot specify if it is a disruptive behavior disorder (like ADHD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder), a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (like autism), or something else (like Reactive Attachment Disorder or Tourette's).

If someone gave my child a 313.9 diagnosis, I would assume that either that child has some very diverse problems that fit a lot of the childhood disorder categories or that the professional does not know how to properly diagnose the problem. A neuropsych evaluation would help.

The school cannot offer additional services in her education plan because the diagnosis is so nonspecific. Schools are only obligated to offer IEP services for certain diagnoses. So, since this one is equivalent to saying, "Something's going on, we just don't know what it is," the school doesn't know whether they are obligated to offer help or what type of help they should offer.

Axis 1 Clinical Disorders Other Conditions That May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention

313.9 Disorder of Infancy, Childhood or Adolescence This category is a residual category for disorders with onset in infancy, childhood, or adolescence that do not meet criteria for any specific disorder in the Classification

I do not have my DSM IV in front of me but I THINK it is within the Conduct Disorder Diagnosis. If it is, it would obviously have an bearing on her education. You might look up NAMI.org on ASK. com and see if there is the exact diagnosis there. God Bless ReggieR