Silent Crises, Systemic Gaps: A Critical Review of Eating Disorder Screening and Diagnostic Tools in China

resumen

Chen Lin*, Ang Mei Foong, Mingli Yang

The incidence of eating disorders in China is rising, yet outdated diagnostic criteria, limited locally validated screening tools, and cultural factors such as stigma hinder early detection and intervention. A variety of eating disorder screening questionnaires and diagnosis instruments have been established for use in population, clinic, and research settings. These tools play a vital role in identifying individuals at risk and facilitating timely intervention. The objective of this review is twofold: (1) to provide a comprehensive overview of existing eating disorders screening and diagnostic instruments, evaluating their effectiveness and applicability across different settings, and (2) to highlight the importance of enhancing public and professional awareness to improve early detection and support for individuals in high risk of developing eating disorders. As a result, this review underscores the need for updated, culturally validated, and non-invasive screening and diagnostic instruments tailored to the Chinese population to address the growing burden of eating disorders