French classification for child and adolescent mental disorders

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Psychopathology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The French Classification of Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders (CFTMEA) has been operational since 1983.
• It is the reference classification for French child psychiatrists.
• The CFTMEA is validated through multicentric studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the French Classification of Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders (CFTMEA).
• To highlight its psychopathological approach and two-axis structure.
• To discuss its compatibility with diverse etiological concepts.

Main Methods:

• The CFTMEA utilizes a psychopathological approach for clinical categories.
• It incorporates an appraisal of potentials and prognosis.
• The classification is structured on two axes: basic clinical categories and associated/etiological factors.

Main Results:

• The CFTMEA is comfortable for French child psychiatrists, fitting their diagnostic and therapeutic work.
• It favors a broad appraisal of disorders, aiming for structural diagnosis.
• The R 2000 revision is in an advanced validation phase.

Conclusions:

• The CFTMEA provides a comprehensive diagnostic framework for child and adolescent mental disorders.
• Its psychodynamic psychopathology basis and theoretical flexibility enhance its clinical utility.
• The ongoing validation of its latest revision ensures continued relevance.