Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Fairburn, C. G. Articles by Davies, B. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Fairburn, C. G. Articles by Davies, B. A. Gender Eating Disorders Other Diagnostic Tools Epidemiology Related Article

Identifying Dieters Who Will Develop an Eating Disorder: A Prospective, Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to identify the characteristics of the dieters most at risk of subsequently developing an eating disorder and to evaluate the feasibility of using a brief questionnaire to identify such dieters in advance. METHOD: A general population cohort of 2,992 young women who were dieting was identified. On four occasions over the subsequent 2 years, this cohort was sent a questionnaire concerning eating habits and attitudes. Participants whose responses suggested that they had developed an eating disorder were interviewed to establish their true case status. The baseline questionnaires of those who did and did not subsequently develop an eating disorder were compared to identify features that predicted future case status. RESULTS: One hundred four of the dieters developed an eating disorder of clinical severity during the 2 years of follow-up. Their baseline questionnaire scores differed in many respects from those who had not developed an eating disorder. Items associated with developing an eating disorder were selected by using three different statistical methods. A simple case-predicting instrument based on one of five items scoring above an optimal cut point had a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 72% (overall efficiency of 72%). CONCLUSIONS: Dieters who will develop an eating disorder within the next 2 years have distinctive features. It is feasible to identify them in advance with reasonable efficiency with a brief questionnaire. This questionnaire could be incorporated into routine health assessments, thereby identifying those at high risk.

Related Article:

In This Issue
Am J Psychiatry 2005 162: A60. [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. Mobley Fad Diets: Facts for Dental Professionals J Am Dent Assoc, January 1, 2008; 139(1): 48 - 50. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Which Dieters Will Develop Eating Disorders? Journal Watch Women's Health, January 24, 2006; 2006(124): 7 - 7. [Full Text]

				Which Dieters Will Develop Eating Disorders? Journal Watch Psychiatry, January 12, 2006; 2006(112): 2 - 2. [Full Text]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2005 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us