Some hope for a dimensional assessment? A critical review of psychometric validated (semi-)structured interview to assess eating disorders.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Given that eating disorders (EDs) are considered one of the deadliest mental illnesses, the development of appropriate assessment instruments is a necessity. Despite the extensive literature on assessing EDs, there has been a lack of focus on semi-structured interviews. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of psychometrically validated semi-structured interviews for EDs. METHODS: Included studies (N = 24) were required to present a semi-structured interview for EDs that has been validated through a psychometric process. The APA PsycNet, MEDLINE, APA Psycinfo, Pubmed, and Health & Psychosocial Instruments databases were searched. The literature search included publications through May 2024, with no earliest year restriction. RESULTS: A total of six instruments were identified and reviewed in terms of conceptual design, purpose and content, psychometric characteristics, and strengths and limitations. Three main findings were highlighted (a) only half of the instruments are up to date; (b) the instruments are based on either a categorical or a mixed categorical-dimensional approach; and (c) the predominance of the categorical approach. CONCLUSIONS: The results are discussed regarding the conceptual approaches of the instrument to provide clinical and research implications. Despite the many strengths of the instrument, additional psychometric research is needed.