Proposal for a risk management axis in psychiatric classifications

Risk assessment and management are central issues in many compulsory treatment legislations. Comprehensive clinical assessment and patient management plans have been enhanced by the development of multiaxial classificatory systems. Assessment of risk is an essential clinical task for which the conclusions are not currently reflected in the multiaxial schemata and so have a diminished ability to influence the clinical management plans. Developments in the understanding of risk and its management make it an appropriate time to give consideration to having a risk assessment axis in the future classificatory systems. A model axis designed to inform the patient management plan is presented. This could contribute to a reduction in the need for compulsion.