What screening tools are recommended for identifying eating disorders in adolescents during routine consultations?

Recommended screening tools for identifying eating disorders in adolescents during routine consultations:

Currently, NICE guidelines advise against using screening tools such as SCOFF as the sole method to determine whether adolescents have an eating disorder during routine consultations. Instead, clinicians should consider a comprehensive assessment based on clinical features and risk factors rather than relying solely on screening questionnaires.

Key indicators to assess include unusually low or high BMI or body weight for age, rapid weight loss, restrictive eating practices, changes in eating behaviour reported by family or carers, social withdrawal related to food, mental health problems, disproportionate concern about weight or shape, physical signs of malnutrition or compensatory behaviours, and participation in high-risk activities (e.g., professional sport, dance, modelling).

If an eating disorder is suspected, immediate referral to an age-appropriate specialist eating disorder service is recommended rather than relying on screening tools alone.