LOW-LEVELS OF INTERRATER RELIABILITY IN A STANDARD MEASURE OF OUTCOMEIN EATING-DISORDERS (THE MODIFIED MORGAN-RUSSELL ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE)

Objective: The interrater reliability of the modified version of the w idely used Morgan-Russell Assessment Schedule was assessed. Method: Si xty-six female patients presenting for treatment for the first time in a general hospital and a community health center were assessed by a t reating clinician and a researcher during sequential interviews. Two e xtra items were added to the Schedule to allow for the assessment of b ulimic behaviors. Ratings were analyzed using the Cohen's weighted kap pa. Results: Poor to very poor levels of agreement were found between rater pairs assessing the 66 separate patients. Discussion: The necess ity for a specific, standardized format in using the Morgan-Russell Sc hedule is discussed. In its current, unstandardized format the Schedul e may not be suitable for comparing outcome in eating disorders across different centers. (C) 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.