What is DSM IV - Axis I 799.90?

DSM-IV Axis I 799.90 refers to "Global Developmental Delay," a diagnosis used for individuals, often children, who exhibit significant delays in multiple areas of development but do not meet the criteria for a specific developmental disorder. This code is typically applied when the exact nature of the developmental issues is unclear, and it allows for further assessment and intervention. It is part of the DSM-IV classification system, which was used until the introduction of the DSM-5 in 2013, which no longer utilizes the multi-axial system.