Anorexia Nervosa Psychological Diagnostic Tests and Methods Assessment - OmniMedicalSearch.com, by Lindsey Ricciardi, Ph.D

Conditions & Diseases: Eating & Weight Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Psychological Diagnostic Tests and Methods Assessment

Most experts in the field of eating disorders agree that the best assessment (and treatment) is one that is multidisciplinary in nature. Initial assessment of Anorexia Nervosa should always include an assessment of height and weight and calculation of Body Mass Index and comparison with norms for gender and age, available on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website. Assessment should be performed by clinicians with experience and expertise in eating disorders. Initial assessment may involve a semi-structured clinical interview such as the the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). This is a series of questions designed to assess DSM-IV criteria. It is important when conducting an assessment of Anorexia Nervosa that collateral information from family members, friends, and/or spouses be included whenever possible because individuals with Anorexia Nervosa will typically minimize the severity of their symptoms and often are resistant to treatment.

Another popular structured interview is the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) which is currently in its 14th edition. The EDE also has a paper and pencil version, the Eating Disorder Examination – Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Another widely used self-reporting measure of psychological factors shown to be clinically important in the assessment of Anorexia Nervosa and other eating disorders in the Eating Disorders Inventory – Third Edition (EDI-3).

Medical assessment is critical in the management of Anorexia Nervosa. The medical physician must assess vital functions such as blood pressure and heart rate. An electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed to assess for any arrhythmias.

The following laboratory tests should be performed; Urinalysis, Complete Metabolic Profile, Serum magnesium, and Thyroid Screen (T3, T4, TSH). A nutritional assessment should also be conducted in order to assess the calories consumed, and nutritional inadequacies, and immediate dietary needs.

Article by Lindsey Ricciardi, Ph.D
Licensed Clinical Psychologist &
Eating Disorders & Obesity Specialist

Lindsey Ricciardi, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and obesity. She is the Behavioral Services Director of MindBody Bariatrics and the Clinical Director for Center for Change, both in Las Vegas, NV. She has recently co-authored a book, Obesity Surgery: Stories of Altered Lives, with Marta Meana, Ph.D.

Overview | Conditions & Diseases | Sitemap | Toolbar
Add OmniMedicalSearch.com To Your Favorite's Folder

OmniMedicalSearch does not provide medical advice and the Medical Conditions & Diseases section is for informational purposes only. Please see our Medical Disclaimer and always consult with your physician.

Page Last Modified:
09/08/2010