ASSESSMENT OF EATING DISORDERS - INTERVIEW VERSUS QUESTIONNAIRE

Objective: This study assessed the validity of the Eating Disorder Exa mination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) in identifying eating disorder symptoms in female substance abusers. Method: Subjects were assessed for the p resence of eating disorder behaviors and attitudes using the Eating Di sorder Examination (EDE), a semistructured interview, and the EDE-Q. T he results of the two measures were then compared. Results: Results sh owed that the EDE-Q does idenfity eating disorders in this population. It is more accurate in assessing purging than the more complex featur es of binge eating and dietary restraint. Discussion: Eating disorders and substance abuse co-occur at a higher rate than expected by chance , and recent findings indicate that eating disorders often go undetect ed among patients with substance abuse. The EDE-Q appears to be an eff ective screening instrument for detecting the presence of eating disor der symptoms in this population. (C) 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.