Assessment of eating disorders: review and recommendations for clinical use.

Burack et al. (2004) read every paper they could find on eating-disorder tests. They picked the tools that had solid science behind them. The goal was to give clinicians a short list they can trust from first visit to last.

The review names specific questionnaires, interviews, and tracking sheets that measure symptoms, mood, and progress. Using the same tool at intake, mid-treatment, and discharge gives clear numbers to show change. No new data were collected; the paper is a map of the best rulers already built.

Wilson et al. (1987) did a similar job years earlier but looked only at body-image tests. Burack et al. (2004) widened the lens to cover the whole clinic path, so it builds on—not clashes with—the older work.

Leigland (2000) reminds us that adults with intellectual disability are often missed. That review adds pica, rumination, and food refusal to the watch list. Burack et al. (2004) did not talk about ID; pairing the two papers gives you a fuller intake form.

Lee et al. (1997) asked for more functional assessment of binge eating. Burack et al. (2004) answers with validated surveys but still leaves the functional work on the table. Use both views: start with the survey, then watch what triggers the behavior.

You now have a vetted menu of quick scales you can hand to clients on day one and reuse at discharge. Pick one mood scale and one eating scale, stick with them, and let the numbers show parents and payers what changed. No guesswork, no reinventing tests.