Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) is when people have symptoms that are similar to, but not exactly the same as other eating disorders. It was previously referred to as ‘eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)’. OSFED’s complexity lies in that individuals with OSFED struggle with disturbed eating habits, skewed body images, and fluctuations in weight just like other eating disorders, but the symptoms may not be as obvious. This may lead to misconceptions about the severity of OSFED and symptoms may be dismissed. However, OSFED is one of the most common and prevalent eating disorders that is equally as dangerous as any other eating disorder.
According to the DSM-5, examples of experiences that fall within the OSFED category include:
Atypical anorexia nervosa: All criteria for anorexia nervosa are met; despite significant weight loss, the individual’s weight is within or above the normal range.
Bulimia nervosa of low frequency and/or limited duration.
Binge eating disorder (BED) of low frequency and/or limited duration.
Purging disorder.
Night Eating Syndrome.
However, it is important to recognise that this list may not cover all cases of OSFED, and due to its diverse nature of symptoms, it may take many forms. For more details on the symptoms of other types of eating disorders, check out the links below.
One of the unique symptoms of OSFED is night eating syndrome. This is characterized by the overconsumption of food after the evening meal and/or eating after waking up at night. If you have NES, you eat at least a quarter of your daily calories. This can lead to a disturbance in the digestive system, which could lead to sleep problems.
The effects of OSFED are similar to those of other eating disorders, such as gastrointestinal issues, poor mental health, weakened immune systems, and much more. The treatment of OSFED is also similar to other eating disorders. The first step of treatment is for the patient to recognise that their behavior is not normal. The actual treatment will differ from patient to patient, based on the symptoms they display. Examples of treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-based treatment (FBD). The outcomes of OSFED are also difficult to predict due to its range of symptoms. One thing that can be said for certain though, is that the earlier the treatment starts, the better the outcomes.
If you or anyone you know may have OSFED, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The first step to recovery is realizing that you have a disorder, and the earlier the recovery journey starts, the more likely you are to recover.
Finally, this will be the last article in the series on different types of eating disorders. Thank you to anyone who has read any of the articles, and I wish you a happy relationship with food :)
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Insightful...👏👏👏