Using the eating disorder examination in the assessment of bulimia and anorexia: issues of reliability and validity.

OBJECTIVE

The Eating Disorder Examination will be assessed according to its reliability and validity in the assessment of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

METHOD: A thorough review of the literature was conducted to judge the reliability and validity of the Eating Disorder Examination and its subscales.

RESULTS

The review shows that the EDE and its subscales have good interrater reliability and internal consistency reliability. Similarly, high levels of discriminant validity, construct validity, and treatment validity in the assessment of eating disorders were also found. A summary of each study concerning the various types of reliability and validity will be provided.

CONCLUSIONS

The EDE is considered to be the "gold standard" by which to identify eating disorders, so this tool used in conjunction with other behavioral measures will be imperative for clinical social work practice.