[Validation of the Spanish version of the Eating Disorders Diagnostic Scale].

BACKGROUND

The Eating Disorders Diagnostic Scale (EDDS) is a self-administered low cost psychometric instrument with excellent levels of temporal reliability and validity.

AIM

To adapt and validate the EDDS in Chile.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The factorial structure, internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Spanish-language version of the EDDS was analyzed in a sample of 1964 university and high school students. The concurrent validity was tested in a sample of 50 primary care patients with ED and 59 controls, comparing its results with those of a structured psychiatric interview (CIDI).

RESULTS

The EDDS showed a high internal consistency, moderate test-retest reliability, an appropriate factorial structure (in women) and an excellent convergent validity. Also, the diagnosis of ED obtained with the EDDS is moderately consistent with the structured psychiatric interview.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish-language version of the EDDS showed a satisfactory psychometric behavior and a good capacity for detecting ED, according to the DSM criterion.