Assessment of eating disorders

This chapter focuses on the assessment of eating disorders for the purpose of deciding on appropriate treatment pathways. Given the ambivalence inherent in eating disorders, in order to increase the likelihood of accurate and informative reporting as well as the likelihood that the patient will move to treatment, the aims of assessment should include (1) the initiation and establishment of rapport and therapeutic alliance; (2) the development of a collaborative understanding of the behaviors and cognitions that typify the eating disorder, where psychoeducational materials can be used to validate the patterns and cycles described; (3) the development of an understanding of ambivalence and obstacles for change; and (4) a review of any comorbidity that may require resolution before treatment can commence for the eating disorder. Each of these aims are explored in the chapter, along with specific suggestions for ways to achieve these.