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Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale
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About Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale
Scale Name
Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale
Author Details
Eric Stice, Christy F. Telch, and Shireen L. Rizvi
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS), developed by Stice et al. (2000), is a 22-item self-report scale designed to assess diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED) in adults and adolescents (13+ years). Published in Psychological Assessment, the EDDS aligns with DSM-IV criteria, covering symptoms such as binge eating, compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, fasting), body image concerns, and weight/shape overvaluation. It generates symptom composites for diagnostic purposes and can be used for screening or assessing symptom severity.
Participants respond to items using varied formats (e.g., yes/no, frequency counts, 0–6 Likert scales for attitudinal items). The EDDS yields diagnostic classifications and a symptom composite score (sum of standardized items, range varies by scoring). It was validated with 367 females (mean age ≈ 20–30 years, U.S.-based, including community and clinical samples), showing 92–99% agreement with structured interviews for AN, BN, and BED diagnoses. The scale correlates with the Eating Disorder Examination (r ≈ 0.70–0.85) and measures of body dissatisfaction (r ≈ 0.50–0.70). It is used in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and public health for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment outcomes in eating disorder populations. The EDDS is freely available from the authors or via Psychological Assessment.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Stice et al. (2000) or authorized sources (e.g., Psychological Assessment), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults or adolescents 13+ with suspected eating disorders) that the questionnaire assesses eating behaviors and attitudes, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 22-item scale in a clinical, research, or community setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to answer based on recent experiences (e.g., past 3 months).
- Estimated completion time is 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health resources (e.g., crisis hotlines) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., simplified language) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The EDDS demonstrates strong psychometric properties (Stice et al., 2000; Stice et al., 2004). Internal consistency for the symptom composite is high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89–0.91) across community (N = 367) and clinical samples. Test-retest reliability is robust (r = 0.71–0.87 over 1–2 weeks for symptom composites and diagnoses). Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Eating Disorder Examination (r ≈ 0.70–0.85), Bulimia Test-Revised (r ≈ 0.65–0.80), and body image measures (r ≈ 0.50–0.70).
Criterion validity is evidenced by 92–99% diagnostic agreement with structured interviews (kappa = 0.78–0.93) and sensitivity to treatment changes. Discriminant validity is shown by weak correlations with unrelated constructs like general intelligence (r < 0.20). Factorial validity supports a unidimensional symptom composite, with items aligning with DSM-IV criteria. The EDDS has been validated in diverse populations, including adolescents and males. Pairing with measures like the Eating Attitudes Test or Body Shape Questionnaire enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
22-Items
Reference
Stice, E., Telch, C. F., & Rizvi, S. L. (2000). Development and validation of the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale: a brief self-report measure of anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. Psychological assessment, 12(2), 123.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale measure?
It assesses diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Who is the target population?
Adults and adolescents (13+) with suspected eating disorders.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it screens for eating disorders and monitors treatment progress.
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