EDE-Q
Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire
Self-report version of the EDE interview — measures eating-disorder severity across four subscales and key behavioral frequencies.
What it 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.
Scoring and bands
Cutoffs
Global score ≥2.3 is the commonly cited clinical cutoff in community samples. Behavioral frequencies are reported separately and inform diagnostic criteria directly.
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
FAQ
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.