By Linda C J Turner Therapy
If you’ve ever heard someone mention “Axis II disorders”, they’re referring to the older DSM-IV classification system — which included things like personality disorders and intellectual disabilities (then called “mental retardation”).
🔍 In DSM-IV, diagnoses were made across five axes, with Axis II specifically reserved for:
- Personality Disorders
- Mental Retardation (now known as Intellectual Disability)
These disorders were seen as long-standing, deeply ingrained patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior — not symptoms that “come and go,” but rather traits that often emerge in adolescence and persist into adulthood.
🚨 So what changed in the DSM-5?
The DSM-5, released in 2013 (and updated in the DSM-5-TR in 2022), eliminated the multi-axial system altogether.
👉 Axis I, II, and III are now combined into one single list of diagnoses.
All mental health conditions — including personality disorders and intellectual disabilities — are now diagnosed alongside one another in a more holistic framework.
Why?
âś… To reduce stigma around Axis II conditions
âś… To reflect that all mental health diagnoses can impact functioning and deserve equal attention
âś… To simplify diagnosis and improve continuity of care
đź’ˇ Personality Disorders in the DSM-5
Personality disorders are still very much recognized and categorized, but not in a separate “Axis II” section. They’re grouped under “Personality Disorders” with 10 distinct types, often divided into 3 clusters:
- Cluster A: Odd, eccentric (e.g., Paranoid, Schizoid)
- Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional (e.g., Borderline, Narcissistic)
- Cluster C: Anxious, fearful (e.g., Avoidant, Dependent)
🔬 The DSM-5 also introduced a new Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) — a dimensional, trait-based approach that’s still being researched and integrated into clinical practice.
đź’¬ Why this matters:
Understanding these shifts helps de-stigmatize mental health, especially for those who have lived under outdated labels. Whether you’re a clinician, a client, or simply curious, it’s important to know that diagnosis and understanding continue to evolve — and so do we.
🌱 Healing starts with clarity and compassion.
📲 Follow @LindaCJTurnerTherapy for more on mental health, healing after abuse, and reclaiming your identity one insight at a time.
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