title: The classification of patients into diagnostic groups using cluster analysis.
abstract: The use of cluster analysis for the classification of patients into diagnostic groups remains controversial. Further evidence is provided for assessing the use of cluster analysis in comparison with other multivariate methods. It is suggested that, when appropriately used, cluster analysis is a convenient tool for developing empirically based diagnostic groupings and that the frequently stated limitations of the technique should not invalidate the obtained groupings in such cases.
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013029:Space-Time Clustering