A psychometric analysis and revalidation of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for Binge Eating in adults with binge eating disorder

Abstract

The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for Binge Eating (Y-BOCS-BE) assesses the obsessiveness of binge eating thoughts and compulsiveness of binge eating behaviors. The findings of this study extend previously published Y-BOCS-BE psychometric evaluations in adults with binge eating disorder (BED). Data from three phase 3 lisdexamfetamine dimesylate studies in adults with BED (two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled short-term efficacy studies; one double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal maintenance-of-efficacy study) were used. Psychometric evaluations included assessment of Y-BOCS-BE dimensionality, internal consistency, convergent validity, test?retest reliability, and determinations of clinically meaningful improvement using distribution- and anchor-based methods. Domain specification analyses determined that the Y-BOCS-BE possessed a bifactor structure composed of a general binge eating severity domain and three subdomains (obsessive/compulsive, restraint, and control). Y-BOCS-BE internal consistency was maximized at week 12 (Cronbach?s ?, 0.95) and test?retest reliability was maximized in the 8-week retest interval from week 4 to week 12 across all no-change anchors (r?=?0.74?0.90). Likewise, convergent validity of the Y-BOCS-BE across all validators was maximized at week 12 (all r???0.66). Meaningful improvement for Y-BOCS-BE total scores was estimated to require score reductions of 12 to 17 points depending on the anchor. The Y-BOCS-BE is a valuable tool for assessing BED symptoms. Maximization of Y-BOCS-BE reliability and validity at later study time points may be related to both treatment effects and improved insight into BED by participants during the study.