Validation of the Barcelona Bipolar Eating Disorder Scale for Bipolar Patients with Eating Disturbances

Abstract

Background: Eating disturbances are frequent in bipolar disorder and are associated with poor outcome. Our objective is to assess the psychometric properties of a specific scale for the evaluation of eating disturbances in bipolar patients. Sampling and Methods: Validation study of 2 groups with a 6-month follow-up (90 patients diagnosed with bipolar and eating disturbances and 40 healthy controls). Results: The scale showed: (1) adequate feasibility (non- response <2.5%); (2) adequate reliability (Cronbach’s α coefficients = 0.79 and 0.57 in groups A and B; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.79 in group A); (3) adequate discriminant validity between patients and controls [AUC = 0.85; moderate correlations with the Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (r = 0.32–0.64); low correlations with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 (r < 0.3)]; (4) adequate sensitivity to changes. Conclusions: The Barcelona Bipolar Eating Disorder Scale showed adequate psychometric properties to assess eating disturbances in bipolar patients in clinical practice and research.