[Nosology and systems for data recording in child and adolescent psychiatry]

Thanks to a system of classification acceptable to a majority of child psychiatrists, recording mental problems has been a necessity since the 1960's. The two main classifications currently being used are that of the World Health Organization (CIM-9) and that of the American Association of Psychiatry (DSM-III), both of which categorize, with categories proper to children. There are also classifications dealing with dimensions which show child psychopathology better to psychologists. A system of French classification is being studied. The merits of a good classification are well set out. No existing system of classification has them completely. The CIM-9 and DSM-III are being fine-tuned. Whichever system used, date gathering on a particular patient must be rigorous. Studies carried out in Great Britain and the United States have led to the formulation of semi-structured interviews, an evaluation scale and questionnaires that now cover most child and adolescent psychiatry.