The SCOFF Questionnaire Screens for Eating Disorders

If you believe that thoughts about food, weight, and appearance may be taking up too much of your time, then you may be experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other specified feeding and eating disorder.

While the following questionnaire, known as the SCOFF questionnaire, is not meant to act as a substitute for a professional diagnosis, it can be extremely helpful in identifying people who are very likely to suffer from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa and should get help. It was devised to be used by non-professionals.

What Is the SCOFF Questionnaire?

The SCOFF questionnaire is a simple, five-question screening measure to assess the possible presence of an eating disorder. It was developed in the United Kingdom by Morgan and colleagues in 1999.

The SCOFF questionnaire utilizes an acronym (Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food), which does not translate perfectly to other countries because of the reference to "one stone." It also does not translate exactly as the "sick" is specifically means "vomit." However, the questions themselves are easily adapted to any culture.

Answering "yes" to two or more of the following questions indicates a possible case of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other eating disorder:

• Do you make yourself Sick (induce vomiting) because you feel uncomfortably full?
• Do you worry you have lost Control over how much you eat?
• Have you recently lost more than One stone [approximately fifteen pounds] in a 3 month period?
• Do you believe yourself to be Fat when others say you are too thin?
• Would you say that Food dominates your life?

Next Steps

If you answered "yes" to two or more of the questions above, you should make an appointment for an assessment with an eating disorder professional, such as a therapist, dietitian, or physician. A professional can determine if you do, indeed, suffer from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other eating disorder.

If you didn't answer "yes" to two or more of the questions but you believe you may have a problem anyway or someone else is concerned about your eating or exercise behavior, you still should seek help, since the SCOFF questionnaire may not pick up all eating disorders or disordered eating behaviors.

It is also common for many people with eating disorders do not believe they are ill. You may still be struggling with body-image concerns or an obsession with healthy eating, in which case treatment may help you.

How to Find Professional Help

This can be difficult, and you may want to find someone close to you who can help you locate the right professionals, make phone calls for you, and maybe even go with you to appointments. This support person can be anyone whom you trust to share what you are struggling with, including a family member, a close friend, a teacher or a member of the clergy.

It's not always easy to find professionals who specialize in treating eating disorders. If you're having trouble locating someone, try asking your family physician, obstetrician/gynecologist, a school counselor, a teacher, a clergy member, or a nurse. You may also have friends or family members who could recommend a therapist or psychiatrist to you.

Fortunately, therapists often refer to each other. Therefore, if your initial contact is with a therapist who doesn't specialize in eating disorders, that person likely can provide you with the name of someone who does. There are also online tools such as the American Psychological Association's Psychologist Locator and the Find a Therapist resource offered by Psychology Today.

You can reach out to the National Eating Disorders Association for additional support. They provide a toll-free confidential hotline (800-931-2237) that is staffed daily by trained volunteers who provide information, support, and referrals to treatment. They also offer 24/7 crisis support via text (send 'NEDA' to 741741).