Binge Eating Disorder and Associated Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Measures

Background: It is concluded that binge eating (BE) is a common and prevalent problem among a sub-group of overweight children and adolescents. Assessment of BE symptoms among the pediatric population is important for prevention and treatment. Objective: The aim of this review was to identify and analyse available self-report questionnaires designed to measure Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and associated behaviours in children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review of English and Norwegian articles using MEDLINE and PsycINFO. The process was executed in two main steps by two independent reviewers: (1) Identification and selection of relevant measures in regard to the inclusion and exclusion criteria through searching the databases and (2) assessment of how well the selected questionnaires captured the DSM-5 criterias for BED (questionnaires developed for adults were excluded in this step). Results: 1423 records was screened and 96 articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 36 measures were identified. Twelve questionnaires were selected and further analysed using the DSM-5 criteria for BED. Two questionnaires was found to capture the core criterias for BED, the Questionnaire of Eating and Weight Patterns-Adolescent (QEWP-A) and Youth Eating Disorder Examination- Questionnaire (YEDE-Q). Conclusion: There is wide range of different measures available, few fully assess the DSM-5 criteria for BED. According to the analysis, QEWP-A and YEDE-Q appear most suitable. A suggestion for future research is to develop a new questionnaire specifically for assessment of BED in the pediatric population. Limitations are discussed