EDE-Q
Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire
In this guide
Self-report version of the EDE interview — measures eating-disorder severity across four subscales and key behavioral frequencies.
When to use the EDE-Q
Use the EDE-Q when eating, weight, or body-image concerns are present, to quantify restraint, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern over the past 28 days. A Global score of 2.3 or higher is in the clinical range.
What the EDE-Q measures
Four subscales (restraint, eating concern, shape concern, weight concern) plus key behavior frequencies over the past 28 days: objective binge episodes, self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, driven exercise.
Use the EDE-Q when
- Any disclosure of restriction, binge eating, purging, or compulsive exercise
- Body-image distress that is driving mood or anxiety symptoms
- Baseline and outcome measurement across CBT-E or FBT
- Documenting behavioral frequencies (binges, purges) for level-of-care decisions
Why use the EDE-Q instead of another measure
The EDE-Q gives both attitudinal subscales and behavioral frequency counts, so you can see whether cognitive concerns or behaviors are changing first — which is exactly how CBT-E sequences treatment. It is the self-report analogue of the EDE interview, so the constructs are well validated.
When not to use the EDE-Q
- Medical instability is suspected — that requires immediate medical assessment, not a questionnaire
- The client may find detailed item content triggering without support in place
- You need a diagnosis; combine with an interview and medical review
Scoring and bands
EDE-Q scores should be interpreted alongside the clinical interview, the client's context, and the measure's intended population. A cutoff suggests follow-up; it does not establish a diagnosis.
Cutoffs
Global score ≥2.3 is the commonly cited clinical cutoff in community samples. Behavioral frequencies are reported separately and inform diagnostic criteria directly.
What EDE-Q results mean — and what to do next
Below the community clinical range.
Next stepAddress specific elevated subscales and re-assess if behaviors continue.
Clinical range, comparable to eating-disorder samples.
Next stepStart a structured protocol (CBT-E, FBT for adolescents) and arrange medical monitoring.
Severe concern in that domain.
Next stepTarget that domain explicitly — e.g. shape-concern work through body-exposure and mirror exercises.
How often to re-administer
Every 4–8 weeks; behavioral frequency items can be tracked weekly with a food and behavior log instead.
What to pair it with
PHQ-9 (depression is highly comorbid), Y-BOCS if rituals are prominent, and medical labs via the client's physician.
How to talk about the score
Subscale scores let you see which dimension dominates — restraint vs. weight concern vs. binge frequency tells you different things about treatment focus. Weight and shape concern often resolve last in CBT-E.
Limitations
- Self-report under-reports objective binges (definitions differ from clinical interview)
- Doesn't capture all DSM eating disorders equally (e.g., ARFID)
- Cultural and gender variation in body-image norms
- 28-day window may miss episodic patterns
Best used for
- Eating disorder assessment and tracking
- Pre/post treatment outcome measurement in CBT-E
- Screening when ED is suspected but not confirmed
Frequently asked questions about the EDE-Q
Is the EDE interview better than the EDE-Q?
The interview is the gold standard for diagnosis and binge counting; the questionnaire is faster and adequate for tracking. Use the interview at intake if feasible.
Can I use the EDE-Q with adolescents?
Yes — there's an adolescent version (EDE-Q-A) with developmentally appropriate language.
References
Scoring bands and cutoffs on this page come from these published sources. This guide is educational and does not replace clinical judgment.
- 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.Supports: Original EDE-Q
- Fairburn, C. G. (2008). Cognitive behavior therapy and eating disorders. Guilford Press.Supports: EDE-Q 6.0 and its subscale scoring (appendix)