Assessment of bulimia nervosa: a comparison of interview and self-report questionnaire methods.
OBJECTIVE
The main aim of this study was to assess the level of agreement between the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) and its self-report version (EDE-Q) on key items in a clinic sample of patients with bulimia nervosa. A second objective was to assess the concordance between self-reported and objective body weight in the sample.


METHODS
Sixty females who met DSM-IV criteria for bulimia nervosa (purging type) participated. Fifty-seven of them completed both the EDE and the EDE-Q. Self-reported weight was obtained during a telephone screening interview. Objective weight was subsequently measured at an assessment about a week later.


RESULTS
The EDE generated higher scores than the EDE-Q for the frequency of objective binge and vomiting episodes. The two methods produced equivalent results for subjective binge episodes, laxative and diuretic misuse, and concerns about shape and weight. The self-report method underestimated body weight.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that some core features of eating disorders are more accurately assessed using the EDE interview.
Carter
J C
JC
Department of Psychiatry, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jacqueline.carter@uhn.on.ca
Aimé
A A
AA
Mills
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D002032:Bulimia / Q000145:classification* / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D014839:Vomiting
D004232:Diuretics