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
- 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
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)
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:
"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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