FBT TIP #4 Use the EDGE to assess Symptoms

FOUR: Paradigm Shift is long over due in Eating Disorder Treatment
 
I love to read scientific articles and attend conferences like ICED to learn about the latest research in the eating disorders field. This article by Stuart Murray spoke to the need to look beyond weight as an indicator for recovery. We should never assume that weight-based recovery is a proxy for broader cognitive recovery. This is not supported by evidence. This has been a motivation for me in my clinical work in the development of the Eating Disorder Global Evaluation (EDGE). I strongly recommend the use of symptom assessment in both the physiological and behavioral realms. The EDGE is not yet validated and should be used along with the EDEQ.  
​The EDGE instrument allows clinicians within 5 minutes to identify symptoms. I recommend that it is used this at baseline and every three months during treatment.  The beauty of the form is that noting frequency can score symptoms: daily, weekly or in the last month. These scores typically reduces with nutritional restoration and time in treatment.  Often residual behavioral symptoms are targeted during phase 2 and 3. Since anorexia nervosa is ego syntonic and our clients could be very young; providers can utilize dual or parent-report observations of symptoms. 
 
Why use the EDGE instrument in your practice?

Why use the EDGE instrument in your practice?
 
1.  Identify red flags for medical risk.

• Reinforce the seriousness of the illness.
• Indicates need for higher level of care.

2.  Identify physical symptoms of malnutrition and ED behaviors.

• Use for psycho-education
• Use as a communication tool to treatment team
• Documentation for insurance coverage regardless of weight

3.   Direct ongoing treatment goals and validates progress

• Taken every three months and compared to baseline
• ED residual behaviors targeted in treatment

4.  Family medical/mental history used to reduce blame in parents

• Use to help educate parents on the genetic underpinnings of AN
• Start the discussion about how EDs are a brain-based illness

 
If you do not have a copy of the tool please download today. I hope to keep everyone updates on the newest versions and validation.