Idiopathic edema and eating disorders: Evidence for an association

Using a computerized self-report questionnaire format incorporating the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and a modification of the McKendry criteria for the diagnosis of idiopathic edema (IE), the authors surveyed a population of women students to determine the prevalence of IE symptoms and their relationship to abnormal eating attitudes and behaviors (AEAB). The mean age of 177 respondents was 20.8 years. IE symptoms were reported by 12.4% of respondents, and AEAB by 16.4%. The prevalence of IE symptoms was 37.9% in respondents with AEAB and 7.4% in normal respondents (p = .0001). A score of 11 or greater on the modified McKendry IE criteria had a sensitivity of .37, specificity of .93, positive predictive value of .5, and a negative predictive value of .89 for an abnormal EAT-26 score. Body mass index (BMI) scores were similar for all respondent groups.