The OSFED Dilemma: A Name But Not A Diagnosis
OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) is a confusing term for the general public, and even for many medical professionals who are not familiar with eating disorders. OSFED was previously called EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).
Common myths about OSFED:
- It is a mild eating disorder, and not as severe as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder (BED)
- It is not as common as anorexia, bulimia or BED
Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder each have very strict signs and symptoms that must be present in order for a medical professional to make a diagnosis. If you have OSFED, you may have some of the criteria seen in anorexia, but not all of them. Or you may have symptoms of both binge eating and bulimia. If you have an eating disorder that is classified as OSFED, it means that your symptoms are a complex mix, but no less serious or life-affecting than for someone who has been diagnosed with anorexia.
Here are three important facts about OSFED:
- Most people who seek professional treatment for an eating disorder have OSFED
- Most individuals in the community with eating disorders have OSFED
- OSFED is often more serious because it is undertreated or never recognized as a problem
