The structured interview for anorexic and bulimic disorders for DSM-IV andICD-10 (SIAB-EX): reliability and validity

Objective. For reliable and valid assessment and diagnostic categorization of eating disorders, self-report measures have considerable limitations. A semi-structured interview - the SIAB-EX- was developed for a more reliable and valid assessment of eating disorders. Methods. One study (videotapes of 31 inpatients, seven raters) was made to establish inter-rater reliability; in another study with 80 patients the SI AB-EX was compared to another semi-structured interview designed for compar able purposes (EDE). In a third study data was obtained on 377 eating disor der patients seeking treatment to explore discriminant and convergent (cons truct) validity using the following self-rating scales: EDI, TFEQ, SCL-90, BDI, and the PERI Demoralization Scale. Results. Inter-rater reliability of dichotomous ratings was good with mean kappa values of.81 (current) and.85 (past). Comparison of the SIAB-EX with the EDE generally showed quite similar results and higher intercorrelation of the total scale (.77). There are, however, a number of differences betwe en the two scales, which are discussed in detail. Construct validity of the SIAB-EX was established. Conclusion. Inter-rater reliability was good. Convergent and discriminant ( construct) validity of the SIAB-EX was demonstrated. The constructs assesse d by the SIAB and its subscales and items are discussed in the context of t heir correlations with other well-known scales. (C) 2001 Editions scientifi ques et medicales Elsevier SAS.