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Psychological Assessment & Diagnosis
The diagnosis support tool can help with assessment
Diagnosis Support Tool
A diagnostic algorithm to support ED diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria
Eating disorder assessment:
The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is considered a 'gold-standard' measure(1,2).
Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)
28-item self-report questionnaire to support clinical diagnosis
Many people who present with eating disorders do not fit into the main diagnostic categories. See What to Do When for complex or less straight forward presentations.
Psychological Assessment:
When an eating disorder is suspected, suicide risk and the presence of co-occurring conditions should also be assessed.
Suicide Risk Assessment
- Suicide ideation
- Deliberate self-harm
Presence of Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorders
- Drug and alcohol use
- Cognitive changes (mood and personality)
GP Dr Karen Spielman explains how the Diagnostic Algorithm can be used to help support decisions around eating disorder diagnoses.
Some people may deny the existence or severity of their eating disorder. This is often because eating disorders can be functional and egosyntonic, aligning with the person's values or coping mechanisms. Therefore, it can be beneficial to explore strategies for externalising the eating disorder and fostering motivation with your patient. Refer to the link for further details.