Clinical assessment of eating disorders and the associated psychological traits (16–19 years)
EDI-3 is one of the most widely used clinical instruments internationally for investigating eating disorders and the psychological dimensions that contribute to their onset and persistence. Intended for adolescents from 16 upwards (and for adults), EDI-3 is a self-assessment questionnaire with a complex structure, which goes beyond eating symptoms alone and offers an integrated psychological picture.
Theoretical basis
EDI-3 was developed by Garner on the basis of a multifactorial conceptualisation of eating disorders, in which dysfunctional behaviour (dietary restriction, purging, overeating) expresses deeper conflicts around control, self-image, interpersonal relationships and affective regulation.
The questionnaire investigates not only eating behaviour itself, but the vulnerable psychological core of an adolescent struggling with their own body image and with a pressing need for control.
Structure and dimensions assessed
EDI-3 contains:
- 3 primary symptom scales: drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction;
- 9 secondary psychological scales, the most important of which are: perfectionism, interpersonal distrust, personal inadequacy, need for control, asceticism and emotional alienation.
This structure allows a complex clinical profile to be drawn, going beyond a simplified DSM classification and leading to a deep, personalised clinical formulation.
Clinical usefulness
EDI-3 is a valuable instrument in:
- assessing the risk of developing an eating disorder at an early stage;
- distinguishing subclinical symptoms from established disorders;
- setting the goals of psychotherapy (including for non-nutritional interventions);
- assessing adolescents with rigid perfectionism, excessive control or identity conflict around body image;
- assessing comorbidities: depression, personality difficulties, generalised anxiety.
Administration and interpretation
EDI-3 is administered individually, at the practice, in a secure setting. It takes about 20–30 minutes to complete. Psychological interpretation requires clinical expertise and is always accompanied by a clarification and counselling discussion. The result may form the basis of a referral for psychiatric assessment, psychotherapy or a multidisciplinary approach (psychologist–dietitian–psychiatrist).
How it works in practice
Psychometric instruments are not used in isolation. At the practice, a test forms part of a complete psychological assessment: clinical interview, choice of the instruments suited to your question, interpretation, a written report and a session in which I explain the results in language you can go on using.
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Cabinet Individual de Psihologie Ileana Vlad · Corbeanca, Ilfov · 0753 453 262