Identification of high risk and early stage eating disorders: first validation of a digital screening tool

Authors: Emma Bryant, Jane Miskovic-Wheatley, Stephen W. Touyz, Ross D. Crosby, Eyza Koreshe & Sarah Maguire

Plain English Summary

Eating disorders are amongst the deadliest of all mental disorders, however detection and early intervention rates remain extremely low. The present study describes the initial psychometric validation of a novel digital screening tool (the InsideOut Institute Screener) for high risk and early stage eating disorders, for self-referral and/or use in primary care. 1346 participants aged 14–74 of all genders completed a survey battery designed to assess common parameters of statistical validity. Strong support was found for the screener’s ability to accurately measure eating disorder risk and symptomatology. The screener was highly positively correlated with a well known and extensively validated long form self-report questionnaire for eating disorder symptomatology. This study is a pilot validation and the genesis of a project that aims ultimately to drive early intervention leading to reduced morbidity and mortality rates in this illness group.

Key Topics: Prevention, early intervention, early identification, risk factors, protective factors, stigma, do no harm