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Validity of the Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire when used with adolescents with bulimia nervosa and atypical bulimia nervosa

Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity volume 14, pages e243–e248 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To validate the online questionnaire form of the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE-Q) against the interview version (EDE) in a clinic and community sample of adolescents with bulimia nervosa (BN) or atypical BN (eating disorder not otherwise specified with bulimic features — EDNOS-BN). Method: Adolescents with BN (N=58) or EDNOS-BN (N=37) completed the EDE over the telephone and the EDE-Q online. Results: There were moderate to high correlations between the attitudinal scales. Eating was rated as more pathological on the EDE-Q than the EDE, except dietary restraint. As in research among adults, agreement between the two measures was low regarding binge eating episodes, but better for vomiting episodes. When compared with the EDE, the EDE-Q attitudinal scales were more valid for BN than for EDNOS-BN patients, and more valid for the clinic sample. Conclusion: The online version of the EDE-Q has partial validity for use with adolescents. The EDE-Q might be reporting a more accurate description of current status, as it avoids possible filtering and approval aspects.

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Affiliations

  1. Eating Disorders Section, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, University of London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK

    N. Pretorius, G. Waller & U. Schmidt

  2. Cheshire & Merseyside Eating Disorders Service for Adolescents, Cheshire & Wirral Partnership Trust, University of Liverpool, UK

    S. Gowers

Authors
  1. N. Pretorius
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  2. G. Waller
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  3. S. Gowers
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  4. U. Schmidt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to U. Schmidt.

Additional information

The following authors also contributed to the paper: J. Arcelusa, J. Beechamb, H. Dawsonc, F. Dohertyd, I. Eislere, C. Gallagherf, G. Isaacsg, E. Johnson-Sabinef, A. Jonesh, C. Newelli, J. Morrisc, L. Richardsf, S. Ringwoodj, L. Rowlandsd, M. Simice, J. Treasuree, C. Williamsk, I. Yil, and M. Yoshiokae aLeicester Eating Disorders Service, Brandon Mental Health Unit, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, bPSSRU, London School of Economics and University of Kent, cYoung People’s Unit, Edinburgh Royal Hospital, Edinburgh, dUniversity of Liverpool, Cheshire & Merseyside Eating Disorders Service for Adolescents, Cheshire & Wirral Partnership Trust, eEating Disorders Section, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, University of London, London, fThe Phoenix Wing, St. Ann’s Hospital, London, gMedia Innovations Limited, Airbank House, Leeds, hEating Disorders Service, Cornwall Partnership Trust, Truro Health Office, Cornwall, iDorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kimmeridge Court Therapy Service, Dorset, jbeat, Norwich, kDivision of Community Based Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, lFrimley Children’s Centre, Frimley, UK

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Pretorius, N., Waller, G., Gowers, S. et al. Validity of the Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire when used with adolescents with bulimia nervosa and atypical bulimia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord 14, e243–e248 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03325125

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03325125

Key words

  • Eating disorders examination
  • online assessment
  • bulimia nervosa
  • eating disorders not otherwise specified
  • adolescents