Objective: : The purpose of this article is to summarize major conceptual and clinical variables related to age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate classification of eating problems and disorders in children and adolescents.
Method: A review of current classifications and related literature in child development is provided. Problems with current classification schemes are identified and discussed.
Results: Current classifications are inadequate to address the clinical and research needs of children and adolescents with eating disturbances and disorders.
Conclusion: A range of possible changes in classification strategies for eating disorders in children and adolescents are described.
(c) 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.