Screening

SCOFF Survey

(A useful tool for the preliminary screening of eating disorders)

The SCOFF questionnaire is a short, five-question tool used for the initial screening of a possible eating disorder. It is not used to provide a formal diagnosis.

The questions can be asked orally or in writing.

• S -- Do you make yourself Sick because you feel uncomfortably full or distressed after eating?
• C -- Do you worry about losing Control over the amount of food you eat?
• O -- Have you recently lost more than 6.35 kg (one stone) over a three-month period?
• F -- Do you believe yourself to be Fat when others say you are too thin?
• F -- Do you feel that Food dominates your life?

If the answer is "yes" to two or more questions, this warrants further investigation and a specialized psychological evaluation.

There are also two additional questions that have been proven to have high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting Bulimia Nervosa. A "yes" answer to these indicates the need for further inquiry and discussion:

• Are you satisfied with your eating habits?
• Do you eat in secret?