How to Use the Eating Attitudes Test to Detect Anorexia

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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There are a number of diagnostic tools you can use to detect anorexia and other eating disorders, including a wide range of written tests. The EAT (Eating Attitudes Test, also known as EAT 26) in combination with a diagnostic interview has a good track record for accurately detecting anorexia. About 33 percent of those who score higher than 20 on the test turn out to have a clinical eating disorder and about 30 percent more are on the borderline.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Copy of the Eating Attitudes Test
Pencil

Step 1

Take some time to examine your feelings and behavior concerning food, eating and weight. Most of the questions are about such feelings and behavior. Be ready to answer them honestly.
Step 2

Gather the information you will need to fill out the first part of the test, including your current weight and your highest and lowest adult weight.
Step 3

Find the Eating Attitudes Test on a website like Ace Network (see Resources below). Read it carefully to be sure you understand all the statements you are asked to rate.
Step 4

Print out the test.
Step 5

Rate the statements from 3 (Always) to 0 (Sometimes, Rarely or Never). Answer the questions in pencil in case you change your mind.
Step 6

Score the test. If your score is more than 20, it is a strong indication of an eating disorder. If it is between 15 and 20, you may be in the "at-risk" category.
Step 7

Make an appointment with your doctor if your score registers as at-risk or above, or if you still feel any anxiety at all about your symptoms. Bring the test with you to your appointment.

Tips & Warnings

The scoring method for the Eating Attitudes Test is written in rather technical language. However, all you need to do is add up the numbers of your answers (3, 2, 1 or 0).
Before or as you take the test, consult a friend or relative you trust about the habits mentioned. You may not be able to see yourself objectively enough to answer correctly.
If you use the "subscale" items in scoring, it will take some time and effort, and when you see your doctor, he may want you to take the test again. Decide whether it is worthwhile to score the entire test.
The last part of the test asks very frank questions about binging and purging. While it is not necessary to the numerical score to answer them, they will help your doctor detect and diagnose your condition more accurately.

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