The Sensitivity of Eating Disorder Tests
In the United States, millions of people suffer from eating disorders. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their lives.1 However, only 1 in 10 suffering from an eating disorder will receive treatment.2 The low number of people receiving treatment may be due in part to the fact that eating disorders are difficult to detect. This is especially true for men, as they often suffer from eating disorders without others’ knowledge.
There are various types of eating disorders, the most common being anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme weight loss, fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating followed by purging, either through vomiting or the use of laxatives. Other, less common eating disorders include binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS).
EDNOS is the most common form of eating disorder, and is characterized by disordered eating habits that do not fall into the criteria for anorexia or bulimia.3 Because it is not as well-defined as other eating disorders, EDNOS is often harder to diagnose. Binge eating disorder is characterized by binge eating without purging.4
There are a number of eating disorder tests that can be used to diagnose an eating disorder. The most common is the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), which is a self-report quiz that questions eating habits and Attitudes toward food.5 The EDI has been shown to be reliable in the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.6
The successor to the EDI, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), is a semi-structured interview that covers the same topics as the EDI.7 The EDE-Q has good test-retest reliability and has been shown to be sensitive to change following treatment.8
The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale is another tool that can be used to diagnose eating disorders.9 It is a performance-based assessment of intelligence that can be used to identify those with an IQ below 70, which is considered to be the cutoff for intellectual disability. The Stanford-Binet has been found to be a reliable measure of intellectual ability.10
The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC) is a cognitive assessment test that can be used to diagnose children with eating disorders.11 The KABC has been found to be reliable in the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in children.12
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is the most recent edition of the manual used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.13 It provides criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and EDNOS.
The most important factor in the diagnosis of an eating disorder is a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional.14 This should include a detailed history, physical examination, and psychological assessment. Eating disorder tests can be useful in the diagnosis of an eating disorder, but they should not be used as the sole method of diagnosis..Reference
The Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person’s emotional and physical health. They are characterized by a disturbed relationship with food and a preoccupation with body weight and shape. Some of the more common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Although each eating disorder has its own unique set of symptoms, there are some general warning signs that may indicate that someone is developing an unhealthy relationship with food.
Eating disorders typically develop during adolescence or young adulthood, but they can also occur in children and older adults. Women are more likely than men to develop an eating disorder, but the incidence of eating disorders in men is increasing. Eating disorders are not just a phase or a choice; they are real, complex, and serious illnesses that require treatment.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting the following symptoms, it may be indicative of an eating disorder and should be further evaluated by a qualified professional:
A preoccupation with body weight, body shape, and appearance.
Frequent dieting or radical changes in eating habits.
Extreme preoccupation with food and calorie counting.
relentless pursuit of thinness and an unrealistic body weight.
Obsession with perfectionism.
Intense fear of weight gain or being “fat.”
Self-esteem that is overly dependent on body weight and shape.
Body dysmorphic disorder (constantly thinking there is something wrong with one’s appearance, despite feedback to the contrary).
Avoidance of eating, either by severely restricting food intake or by purging after eating.
(For more information, please see: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder.)
Warning signs that someone may be developing an unhealthy relationship with food include:
Dieting to an extreme or making sudden, significant changes to eating habits.
Skipping meals or drastically reducing caloric intake.
Eating only certain “safe” foods or food groups, and avoiding others entirely.
Excessive exercise, often to the point of obsession or injury.
Withdrawing from friends and activities that were once enjoyed.
Preoccupation with food, weight, and appearance that interfere with normal daily activities.
Disruption in eating patterns (e.g., eating much more or much less than usual, eating in secret, etc.).
Significant weight loss or weight gain.
Extreme mood swings or changes in behavior.
Anxiety or depression.
Isolation and social withdrawal.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. Eating disorders are complex illnesses that require treatment by qualified professionals.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about eating disorder test. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.