FOCUS ON.... EATING DISORDERS NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: EDNOS/OSFED
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or EDNOS) is now increasingly known as OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder) accounts for the highest percentage of eating disorders.
EDNOS/OSFED is just as serious and debilitating as any other form of eating disorder and needs to be taken more seriously.
Unfortunately, however, in our experience, this is often not the case and many are not given appropriate treatment or support (whether from family, friends, professionals and others) and the condition can deteriorte and even change into another form of eating disorder.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT EDNOS/OSFED? Then read on.....
EDNOS/OSFED is the most commonly diagnosed eating disorder in clinical settings.
It has often been described as ‘partial syndrome’; however, in our opinion, referring to an eating disorder as 'partial' presents, in our opinion, several problems, namely that the client or patient is denied support.
EDNOS/OSFED describes a form eating disorder/disordered eating that does not meet all of diagnostic criteria for a specific eating disorder, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder.
As we know, eating disorder, regardless of which name they have, or form they take, are complex mental health conditions and, undoubtedly, there are many variations in typical signs and symptoms experienced by individuals.
While some may experience some of ‘typical’ or shared symptoms, not all signs and symptoms will apply to all. The range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours experienced can differ from person-to-person.
Consequently, in our opinion, it is important that EDNOS/OSFED is treated just as seriously and appropriately as those displaying ‘full syndrome’ eating disorders. Their illness is no less severe, serious or debilitating than a ‘full syndrome’ eating disorder and those experiencing EDNOS/OSFED deserve to be taken seriously and offered appropriate support & treatment.
Someone experiencing EDNOS/OSFED will display some, but not all, of clinical diagnostic criteria for particular eating disorder (such as bulimia).
After reading this information about EDNOS/OSFED, you might be thinking 'Do I have a problem with food and eating?' or 'Do I have a difficult relationship with food and eating? We aim not to put labels on the people we work with (unless, of course they want a name for the type of eating problem they might be experiencing).
We tend to look at the symptoms, behaviours, thoughts, feelings and any other signs that might demonstrate that you're having a difficult time with food and eating.
If you wish to reflect a little more on yur relationship with food and eating or become aware of some of the behaviours. thoughts and experiences you may be experiencing with food and eating, email us for a little Self-questionnaire that you can do to help you reflect and become aware of your own eating habits and relationship with food.
Some questions will apply to you and others will not. We are all different: our experiences and problems with food and eating will be individual to each of us and differ from person-to-person
Remember, as we said above, try not to let the 'labels' or 'names' put you off: most people with food and eating problems experience a combination of these, often at the same time or over a period of time.
No matter what problems and difficulties you are experiencing, you deserve help, support and someone to talk to. We are here to listen, support and be with you on the journey to getting better.
Best wishes,
Alexandra
Talking EDs (Eating Disorder Support Service Scotland)
P.S our website is old and we are currently writing and designing a new one, along with a slight name change and we hope to have the redesigned website live soon!
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