Next Steps in Use of the Eating Disorder Examination and Related Eating Disorder Assessments: A Call for Consensus

Since its publication almost 35 years ago, the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and its companion paper-and-pencil self-report-the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q)-have remained some of the most widely used and studied tools for the assessment of eating disorder symptoms. Widespread use of the EDE has persisted despite notable limitations of the measure, while other assessment tools developed in the decades since have been inconsistently adopted, both of which may have consequences for accumulation and replication of knowledge within the field.

In the current forum, we propose that common critiques of the EDE are representative of larger issues that face the subfield of ED assessment. Therefore, we propose that larger efforts focused on (a) developing decision-making frameworks for assessment evaluation and selection, (b) alignment in flexibly adapting measurements for use in different contexts, and (c) consensus in reporting on assessment implementation and alteration should be paired with and could effectively inform more pragmatic revision of tools like the EDE.

We outline a range of recommendations through which the field can address issues related to lack of consensus in assessment-related decision-making, inconsistency in measure administration and scoring, and inadequate reporting on assessment practices in peer-reviewed journals.

In sum, we propose that undertaking planful research regarding current use of the EDE and facilitating field-wide discussion regarding innovation in measure selection and administration can facilitate needed improvement in assessment rigor, data sharing, and inclusiveness within the field.