Fig. 2

Proposed standardized definitions of relapse, remission, and recovery. These standardized definitions were synthesized from the different criteria for relapse, remission, and recovery in individual studies identified by our systematic review. We include a graphical representation of these definitions as a useful heuristic tool for conceptualizing the major transition points (relapse in red, remission in yellow, recovery in green) while at the same time underscoring the continuum of pathology existing within each stage. Note 1: since weight and height normally increase until age 20 in pediatric and adolescent populations, age- and gender- adjusted BMI percentiles for determining expected body weight (EBW) are more appropriate in these subgroups, as demonstrated by [52]. Note 2: determination of ideal body weight is complex, and subject to consideration of racial, ethnic, demographic, and cultural factors [53]. Note 3: Symptoms and behaviors are discrete variables, which are rated/ascertained by the clinician based on all available clinical information