Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) | Aster Springs

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

Individuals with other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) don’t meet all the criteria for specific eating disorders, so it may be difficult to diagnose. For example, they may not meet the guidelines to be diagnosed with bulimia or anorexia. However, they do have some symptoms, which interfere with their lives significantly. And OSFED is just as serious as other eating disorders, so it’s vital that those struggling get the treatment they need. Fortunately, they can get this needed treatment at a center like Aster Springs.

Previously, experts referred to OSFED as an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). They developed the category to encompass people with significant eating problems that are inconsistent with existing disorders.

Overview of OSFED

Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s AVP of Clinical Services, Kate Fisch, LCSW, discusses OSFED and how Aster Springs approaches treatment.

Purging Disorder

Purging disorder isn’t currently part of the official list of eating disorders; however, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classifies it as an other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED). Individuals who have purging disorder will use pills or vomit to purge the meals that they eat. Vomiting is the most common method, but some individuals use diuretics, enemas, or laxatives. with purging disorder are obsessed with self-image and weight. They control what they eat or purge after overeating to meet impractical appearance and weight goals. Because of this behavior, they’re often underweight or overweight and suffer side effects from poor nutrition.

Atypical Anorexia

Categorized as an other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), atypical anorexia is a diagnosis for individuals who meet the criteria for anorexia but who aren’t underweight despite significant weight loss. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), research studies haven’t found a difference between the medical and psychological impacts of anorexia and atypical anorexia.
Kate Fisch LCSW Headshot - Aster Springs

REVIEWED BY

Kate Fisch, LCSW

Kate Fisch is the AVP of Clinical Services for Odyssey’s Eating Disorder Network. With 17 years of clinical leadership and direct client care experience in the eating disorders field, she has a history of innovation, clinical training, and resource development in a variety of eating disorder treatment settings supporting families, clients, and clinicians.

If you’d like to learn more about our OSFED treatment program, the compassionate team at Aster Springs is here to help.