Abstract
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 diagnostic schemata. Developments in the understanding of risk and its management make possible consideration of its place in multiaxial systems.
A potentially workable axis, summarising current knowledge of risk in the domains of suicide, self-neglect and violence to others, has been developed. An example of its application to a brief case history is given.
Incorporating risk management would be a practical alternative or addition to presently available axes and be very widely clinically applicable. It would be much more efficient and the multiple, emerging, risk assessment guidelines.