How to Use the Eating Attitudes Test to Detect Anorexia

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.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of the Eating Attitudes Test
• Pencil

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Instructions

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 4

  Print out the test.

• 5

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

• 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.

• 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.