2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

this manual. Axis IV addresses external factors that may impact an individual’s physical orpsychological health and are not addressed in this manual. Axis V, the Global Assessment ofFunctioning, is a 0 to 100 scale used for reporting a clinician’s judgment of an individual’s levelof psychological, social and occupational functioning in light of any impairment due topsychiatric disorders. A low score is a red flag for potential impairment of functions necessaryfor driving.Delirium, dementia, and other cognitive disorders (Axis I)The effects of delirium, dementia, and other cognitive disorders on driving are covered inChapter 27 of this Manual, Cognitive Impairment including Dementia.Substance-use disorders (Axis I)Substance-use disorders refer to the taking of a drug of abuse (including alcohol). Substancesinclude alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, sedatives, hypnotics, andanxiolytics. The effects of drugs commonly prescribed for medical conditions are addressed inChapter 29, Psychotropic DrugsMood disorders - Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymia (Axis I)Major Depressive Disorder (single episode or recurrent), Bipolar Disorders (Manic, Depressed,or Mixed types), and Dysthymic Disorder are collectively referred to as mood disorders.Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by one or more episodes of depressed mood or lossof interest in usual activities, as well as four additional symptoms of depression, with theepisodes lasting for two or more weeks. Additional symptoms of depression include: change in appetite sleep disturbances decreased energy or fatigue sense of worthlessness or guilt, and poor concentration or difficulty making decisions.Bipolar Disorder is characterized by one or more manic or mixed (manic and depression)episodes, with or without a history of major depression.Dysthymic Disorder is defined as a chronically depressed mood over a period of at least twoyears.227