The classification of problems in clinical child & family psychology

In clinical child and family psychology classification has three main functions.
First, it permits information about particular types of child and family problems
to be ordered in ways that allow for the growth of a body of expert knowledge
about different types of problems. This information typically includes the
accurate clinical description of a problem and the identification of factors
associated with the etiology, maintenance, course and possible management plans
effective in solving the problem. Such expert information constitutes the basis for
sound clinical practice. Second, classification systems allow for the development
of epidemiological information about the incidence and prevalence of various
problems. This sort of information is particularly useful in planning services and
deciding how to prioratize the allocation of sparse resources. Third, classification
systems provide a language through which clinicians and researchers
communicate with each other.