information about the "are you dying to be thin?" questionnaire
The "Are You Dying to be Thin?" questionnaire was developed by Dr. Kim to use at a university health fair. Since then, it had been widely used on college campuses, in treatment facilities, and in presentations about eating disorders. Several authors have chosen to include the questionnaire in their books about eating disorders.
The purpose of the "Are You Dying to be Thin?" questionnaire is to indicate tendencies toward anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating disorders. It was not designed to be a diagnostic tool, but rather to serve as a way to identify thought patterns or behaviors commonly found among people with eating disorders. Consequently, it was not put through rigorous studies of reliability or validity. When used as it is intended to be used, it is a very helpful tool.
The questions are written in a non-threatening way. Even people who verbally deny that they have an eating disorder seem to consistently answer the questions honestly and score in a range appropriate for someone with an eating disorder. The questionnaire is also helpful as an intake form for new patients. It works especially well with people who are in denial in that it provides a basis for talking about the possibility that they indeed have an eating disorder. It is also effective as a means of assessing change during treatment and a means of indicating recovery when treatment is finished.
The questionnaire may be downloaded and distributed as long as it is copied as is, retaining Dr. Kim's name, copyright, and contact information. Contact me at help@eatingdisordersupport.com if you have questions.