Although clinicians may use more detailed screening tests when looking for behaviors indicative of an eating disorder, the remarkable reliable SCOFF test has only 5 questions, and it predicts with great accuracy the existence of an eating disorder.
Developed by doctors at the St George Medical School, the SCOFF test has been tested extensively, and in a survey of 200 women (half of whom had eating disorders) the SCOFF test accurately diagnosed 100% of the afflicted women - Quite impressive for such a brief diagnostic.
The test will diagnose anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating.
Answer the following questions with complete and considered honesty, for an accurate result.
The SCOFF Test for Eating Disorders
- Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
- Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?
- Have you recently lost more than one stone (14 pounds) in a three-month period?
- Do you believe yourself to be fat when others say you are too thin?
- Would you say that food dominates your life?
Two or more yes answers indicate an eating disorder.
Of course, this test is no replacement for a professional consultation, nor should it contradict your own feelings about yourself, and your eating habits. Some people will score false positives, meaning their score indicates an eating disorder, when they in fact do not have one. When answered honestly however, the test is unlikely to miss the existence of an eating disorder.
If you have answered yes to 2 or more questions, and you have any concern over your eating habits, you should strongly consider getting professional help. Few people can overcome an eating disorder without assistance, and the consequences of an untreated eating disorder are tragic.
Page last updated Aug 05, 2010
