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

Int J Eat Disord. 2004 Dec;36(4):434-44. doi: 10.1002/eat.20057.

Abstract

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.

Method: 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).

Discussion: 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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • Bulimia / classification*
  • Bulimia / diagnosis*
  • Bulimia / psychology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self-Assessment