Assessment of eating disorders, substance use disorders, and addictions

Abstract

Assessing eating disorders, substance use disorders, and addictions poses a number of challenges, particularly when these disorders co-occur. Although unstructured interview approaches are often utilized in clinical assessment of eating disorders, substance use disorders, and addictions, the use of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires can potentially increase the reliability of self-reported data. Several semi-structured interviews that assess both eating disorders and substance use disorders can be used, especially to examine diagnostic criteria. In addition, a number of interviews and questionnaires have been designed to assess eating disorders, substance use disorders, and addictions as separate conditions, allowing for the administration of such measures independently or in combination to assess co-occurring eating disorders, substance use disorders, and addictions. Biochemical measures can also be used to assess substance use. Technology-based assessment shows promise for facilitating increased self-disclosure and data reliability. Future research is needed to broaden the accessibility of technology-based assessment as well as to develop comprehensive measures of co-occurring eating disorders, substance use disorders, and addictions.