Eating problems or disorders, also known as Eating Disorders, are a serious problem for both physical and mental health, which affects a large part of the population, with adolescents being especially vulnerable.
Its appearance is not exclusively due to a particular cause, but responds to multiple causes that include all areas of the human being as a biopsychosocial entity.
It is alarming that the number of cases of people with eating disorders has increased considerably in recent years. This makes it necessary to have effective evaluation tools that allow a reliable diagnosis to be made as early as possible.
But what are the diagnostic tests that are most used? We analyze those presented in the document and in the book, “Psychological tests and evaluation.”
Tests to evaluate eating disorders
The first type of evaluation carried out to determine the existence of eating behavior problems is a physical examination that must be carried out by a doctor. He or she will carry out a general checkup of the person’s health to evaluate their condition.
If you value articles like this, consider supporting us by becoming a Pro subscriber. Subscribers enjoy access to members-only articles, materials, and webinars.
In addition to this, it will carry out the evaluation of the Body Mass Index (BMI), an anthropometric instrument based on standards determined according to the weight and height of the person, which allows evaluating the amount of body fat that the person evaluated has.
Clinical interviews
One of the most important tests when carrying out any evaluation are clinical interviews. In this sense, structured interviews offer great advantages when evaluating people to determine whether or not there is an eating behavior problem.
Among the most commonly used structured interviews to evaluate these disorders are:
- Eating Disorders Interview (EDI), which determines the existence of ED in the general population.
- Interview for Eating Disorder Diagnosis (IDED), which addresses disorders such as anorexia nervosa, obesity, compulsive overeating and bulimia nervosa.
- Eating Disorders Examination (EDE), which with its 62 items allows evaluating the existence of TAC.
- Clinical Instrument that Rates Eating Disorders (CEDRI), which evaluates the existence of symptoms associated with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
- Morgan Russell Outcome Assessment Checklist (MR AS), which assesses the existence of anorexia nervosa.
Self-administered questionnaires
Another type of instrument that is frequently used to evaluate eating behavior problems are self-administered questionnaires.
And these are easy-to-use tools that can help specialists obtain a lot of valuable information that allows them to make a diagnosis and evaluate the most appropriate treatment for the person.
Among the most used questionnaires are:
- Self-reported Disorder Questionnaire (EDE-Q), which evaluates anorexia and bulimia nervosa.
- Attitudes towards Food Questionnaire (EAT). It evaluates the person’s concerns and symptoms regarding food.
- Bulimia Questionnaire Revised (BULIT R), which assesses bulimia nervosa, concerns, and related symptoms.
- Questionnaire Eating and Weight Model Revised (QEWP-R), which identifies binge eating disorder and bulimia.
- Eating Disorders Diagnostic Questionnaire (QEDD). It allows a general evaluation of disorders related to eating behavior.
- Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Evaluates food restriction, caloric intake limit, and susceptibility to hunger.
- SCOFF Questionnaire, which stands for Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food.
- Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI). Assess the existence of anorexia and bulimia nervosa based on behaviors and thoughts.
- Edinburgh Bulimia Research Test (BITE); evaluates symptoms associated with bulimia nervosa.
Body self-assessment
Another method to evaluate the existence of eating behavior problems, which is also frequently used, is body self-assessment, which allows us to understand how the person perceives themselves and whether or not this corresponds to reality. Among the most used methods here are:
Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ)
Developed by Cooper, Taylor and Cooper & Fairburn in 1987, this instrument evaluates body image, concern and dissatisfaction with one’s physical appearance, fear of gaining weight, avoidance of situations in which the person feels exposed, as well as intentions to lose weight.
Dysmorphic Disorder Examination (BDDE)
Developed by Rosen and Reiter in 1996, it is a test designed to evaluate Body Dysmorphic Disorder, which follows the parameters (diagnostic criteria) established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (2000).
Silhouette Test (TS)
Created by Thompson and Gray in 1995, this test consists of images of silhouettes of male and female human bodies with a score each, with 1 being the thinnest up to 9. In the test the person evaluated must identify the type of silhouette that she says resembles her.
If you think you may be suffering from an eating disorder or know someone who might be, do not hesitate to seek professional help from mental health specialists.
Early diagnosis and intervention of TAC can make a difference in terms of its impact on physical, mental and emotional health. It’s okay to ask for help! You deserve it.
References:
- American Psychiatric Association, APA (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision. DSM-IV-TR (Vol. 4). Washington DC: APA
- Cohen, R.J. & Swerdlik, M.E. (2002). Psychological tests and evaluation. McGraw-Hill: Madrid.
- Losada, A. and Marmo, J. (2013). Evaluation Tools for Eating Disorders. Madrid: Spanish Academic Editorial.