A comparison of the binge eating scale, questionnaire for eating and weight patterns-revised, and eating disorder examination questionnaire with instructions with the eating disorder examination in the assessment of binge eating disorder and its symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
The current study assesses concordance between self-administered measures and a diagnostic standard for assessment of binge frequency and diagnosis of binge eating disorder (BED) in a sample of binge eaters.


METHODS
The Questionnaire for Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised (QEWP-R), Binge Eating Scale (BES), two items from the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire with Instructions (EDE-Q-I), and the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) were administered. Participants were 157 adults volunteering for a clinical study, of whom 129 (79%) were diagnosed with BED using the EDE as the diagnostic standard.


RESULTS
In the identification of BED, the QEWP-R yielded a sensitivity value of .74 and a specificity value of .35. The BES yielded a sensitivity value of .85 and a specificity value of .20. Frequency of binge eating days and episodes on the EDE-Q-I correlated highly with the EDE (.65 and .48, respectively; p < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
The accuracy of diagnosis and symptomatology among self-administered questionnaires is variable. The BES and the QEWP-R performed satisfactorily as initial screens for the diagnosis of BED, but were less accurate in identifying non-BED individuals and the frequency of binge eating. The EDE-Q-I most accurately assessed the frequency of binge eating.
Celio
Angela A
AA
Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
Wilfley
Denise E
DE
Crow
Scott J
SJ
Mitchell
James
J
Walsh
B Timothy
BT
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002032:Bulimia / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012647:Self-Assessment