Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire

What it measures

The most widely used measure of eating disorder psychopathology in clinical research and trials. Derived from the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) interview. Assesses both the frequency of key eating disorder behaviours and the characteristic attitudinal features of eating disorders over the past 28 days.

Response format

Likert (0–6, no days to every day / not at all to markedly) over the past 28 days; global score = mean of 4 subscale scores

Representative items

• Have you been deliberately trying to limit the amount of food you eat to influence your shape or weight? (Dietary Restraint)
• Have you had a definite fear that you might gain weight or become fat? (Weight Concern)
• Has your weight influenced how you think about yourself as a person? (Weight Concern)
• Has your shape influenced how you think about yourself as a person? (Shape Concern)
• Have you had a strong desire to have a flat stomach? (Shape Concern)

Usage notes & scoring

Global score is the mean of the four subscale scores (range 0–6); higher = greater pathology. Freely available from Chris Fairburn's website. Clinical cut-off of >=4.0 on global score is often used. Primary outcome measure in most CBT-E trials. Behavioural items (bingeing, purging frequency) are reported separately as events, not on the Likert scale.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Fairburn, C.G., & Beglin, S.J. (1994). Assessment of eating disorders: Interview or self-report questionnaire? International Journal of Eating Disorders, 16(4), 363–370.

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