Comparative study of classification of psychosis of childhood and adolescent onset

Classification of psychosis in childhood and adolescence has always been controversial due to the possible developmental modulation of symptom expression. Major classificatory systems have no special criteria for children, and recommend the use of adult criteria. Hence, this study aimed to study the nosology of psychosis of childhood and adolescence, using adult criteria (ICD-9, ICD-10 and DSM-III-R). Fifty subjects between the age of 5 and 16 years who met the ICD-9 definition of psychosis were studied using the Intake Sheet for Adolescents: cross-cultural study and the Interview Schedule for Children and Adolescents. Most of the subjects could be classified into one of the major functional psychosis categories, indicating the applicability of adult criteria in children and adolescents.