ABSTRACT
Objective of review. The aim of this chapter is to review the literature relevant to the classification of eating disorders (ED) published during the period 2004–2005.
Summary of recent findings. Considerable debate over the best way to classify ED has ensued. Many researchers have investigated empirically the best way to subtype disorders using latent class analysis and cluster analysis. The validity of certain diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) has been questioned. Researchers continue to document great heterogeneity in the eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) category. Recent research has converged to suggest that binge eating disorder (BED) is a distinct disorder and should be acknowledged as such in the next DSM.
Future directions. Researchers should strive to empirically examine the current diagnostic scheme and offer alternatives that better reflect the true nature of ED. Taxometric methods and resulting validity checks are perhaps the best way to complete these tasks.
