A systematic review of instruments for the assessment of eating disorders among adults

Abstract

Purpose of review: The availability of psychometrically sound assessment instruments for assessing eating disorder symptomatology is crucial for both clinical practice and research. The purpose of the current review is to provide the reader with a list of psychometrically validated assessments for adults that are available within the field of eating disorders. Eating disorder interviews and self-report questionnaires were identified using online literature searches, reviewing previous review articles, and via research and/or clinical experience of the authors. The focus of the review was on (1) standard assessments that were frequently used in eating disorder research (such as the Eating Disorder Examination and Eating Attitudes Test), and (2) newer assessments that were developed over the past 5 years. Information compiled on each instrument included the purpose of the assessment, scores that can be derived, psychometric information, translations in other languages, and availability for use in research and clinical settings. Recent findings: Several recent trends in assessment instruments were identified including updates based upon Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria, briefer assessments, assessments for specific populations, and assessment of specific clinical features observed in people with eating disorders. Summary: The current review provides eating disorder clinicians and researchers a guide for making informed decisions about the selection of eating disorder assessments.