Instruments and Diagnostic Criteria for Binge Eating Assessment in Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review the methodologies used for BE evaluation/identification diagnosis in clinical trials (CT) with adults. Methods: The search was performed on PUBMED until July 2018. The PRISMA statement was used to improve the reporting of results.Results: 93 CTs were included among the 225 studies retrieved. The main BE evaluation/identification methods used in studies were: Binge Eating Scale; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale; Eating Disorder Examination; Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire; Eating Disorder Inventory; Loss of Control Over Eating Scale and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. Overlaps between methods were observed in studies, 61 used both DSM and an evaluation instrument, 06 only DSM and 26 only standardized questionnaires to assess BE disorder. Conclusions: The DSM-5 diagnostic criterion for binge eating disorder is considered excellent and widely used, however, when the objective of the study is to identify emotional, nutritional and qualitative issues, a questionnaire or interview about subjective perceptions can be used in a complementary way.