A rapid screening tool for anorectic/bulimic risk in online settings: a pilot-study on the DiCA33 validation in Italian young female students.

Abstract

The early identification of anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in the general population represents a crucial strategy to avoid their chronicization and clinical worsening. This pilot-study aims to test the validity of a new screening tool (DiCA33) dedicated AN/BN risk in online settings, based on the Italian version of EAT-26, a self-report questionnaire for measuring AN/BN symptoms. First analyses excluded the effect of demographic factors on results and suggested a limited explanation power of the mere total scores of DiCA33 for risk detection. Alternatively, a selection of risked items from the DiCA33 checklists (as evidenced on EAT-26 scores), then combined in a subscale, showed a necessary sensitivity for screening purposes. The DiCA33-subscale constitutes a reliable and useful index for the early and quick detection of AN/BN risk in young Italian female population, composed mainly by students. Considering the non-diagnostic nature of this tool, subsequent rigorous and psychiatric evaluations are necessary for positive cases to confirm the risk. Further studies may validate the tool even recruiting patients with eating disorders to improve tool specificity.