Sunday, October 9, 2016

Other Specified Eating or Feeding Disorder

A person with an other specified eating or feeding disorder, previously called EDNOS, may show many symptoms of other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder but will not meet the full criteria for diagnosis of these disorders. (What is OSFED). Some physical, psychological and physical signs of OSFED may include but are not limited to:

Physical Signs:
  • Fluctuating weight, weight loss and weight gain
  • Absence of menstrual period in women, loss of libido in men
  • Decreased immune system
  • dizziness and fainting
  • damage to throat, mouth, teeth and knuckles do to purging
Psychological Signs:
  • Food and eating preoccupation
  • Extreme dissatisfaction with body
  • Depression, anxiety and irritable behavior
  • "Black and white" thinking regarding food
  • Distorted body image

Behavioral signs:
  • Increased isolation
  • Obsessive rituals around food preparation
  • Compulsive or excessive exercise
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom shortly after eating (could be evidence or laxative use or vomiting)
  • Secretive behavior surrounding food (ex. saying they have eaten when they have not)
  • Dieting behavior
(What is OSFED)

     It is not uncommon that OSFED is misinterpreted and misunderstood as a sub-clinical diagnosis which can mislead the understanding of its severity. Past studies have shown that people diagnosed with EDNOS (the former name for OSFED) experience eating patterns and medical consequences that are equally, if not more, severe as those who receive treatment for anorexia or bulimia. Another study showed that 75% of people with EDNOS had co-occurring psychiatric disorders and 25% showed suicidality. (A Closer Look).

     Not everybody who is diagnosed with OSFED is going to have the same symptoms, examples of OSFED include:
  • Atypical anorexia nervosa ( not below a normal weight)
  • Night eating syndrome (excessive eating during night time)
  • Bulimia nervosa (with less frequent bulimic behaviors)
  • Purging disorder (purging without binge eating)
  • Binge-eating disorder (with less frequent occurrences)
(A Closer Look)

     There is a common ground with all of the disorders mentioned above with include psychological suffering and problems in multiple aspects of the persons life. Anyone who is concerned about their eating and exercise habits, and notice them having a negative affect in their life should seek out professional guidance. (Other Specified).




References:

"A Closer Look at Other Specified Eating and Feeding Disorder (OSFED)." Eating Disorder. The Center For Eating Disorders at Shepard Pratt, n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2016.

"Other Specified Eating or Feeding Disorder." National Eating Disorders. 4girlsfoundation, Center for Discovery, Eating Recovery Center, Rosewood, McCallum Place, n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2016.

"What Is OSFED?" Nedc. Butterfly Foundation for Eating Disorders, 26 Sept. 2016. Web. 9 Oct.          2016.

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