Residential Treatment
Structured, in-person care. 24 hours of programming and support per day, 7 days a week.
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Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) Treatment
OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder), previously called EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), is characterized by mixed, complex symptoms. While less understood, OSFED is not less serious or less deserving of treatment than any other eating or feeding disorder. Alsana treats OSFED in person at our residential & day treatment locations, and through our virtual eating disorder treatment for adults & adolescents who need care at home.
What is OSFED?
OSFED, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, is a diagnostic category for eating disturbances (such as atypical anorexia) in individuals whose symptoms do not meet the criteria for another eating disorder. OSFED is a subclinical DSM-5 category that, along with unspecified feeding or eating disorder (UFED), replaces the category formerly called eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) in the DSM-IV-TR.
OSFED is no less serious than other eating disorders and is the most common eating disorder encountered in outpatient settings.
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- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fainting spells
- Dry skin
- Constipation, stomach aches, and other digestive issues
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Dental cavities
- Thinning hair or balding patches
- Behaviors and attitudes focused on weight loss, dieting, and control of food
- Feeling overweight despite weight loss
- Denying feelings of hunger
- Negative body image and low self-esteem
- Development of food rituals (e.g., eating only specific foods or food groups)
- Evidence of binge eating
- Loss of control when eating, including impulsive or irregular eating habits
- Evidence of purging behaviors, such as frequent trips to the bathroom after meals or signs of vomiting
- Obsession with food cleanliness or exercise
- Withdrawal from usual social engagements and activities
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- Gastrointestinal issues (including damage to the esophagus and stomach)
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Constipation and
diarrhea - Kidney damage
- Weakened bones (osteoporosis)
- Infertility in men and women
- Slowed growth (in young people)
- Heart conditions, including irregular heart rate and low blood pressure
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- Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: This involves all the typical symptoms of anorexia nervosa, such as restricted eating and intense fear of gaining weight, but without the individual being underweight.
- Bulimia Nervosa (of low frequency and/or limited duration): This includes episodes of binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors (like self-induced vomiting) but occurs less frequently or over a shorter period than would be required for the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa.
- Purging Disorder: Engaging in purging behaviors, such as vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas, without binge eating, can be categorized as OSFED.
- Binge Eating Disorder (of low frequency and/or limited duration): This involves recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts of food with a sense of lack of control) but happens less frequently or for a shorter duration than the criteria for binge eating disorder.
- Night Eating Syndrome: Repeated episodes of night eating, either eating after awakening from sleep or by excessive food consumption after the evening meal, could also be categorized as OSFED.
OSFED Treatment Programs.
Alsana’s treatment programs offer a supportive environment for adolescents and adults battling eating disorders such as OSFED, along with any co-occurring mental health challenges. Our approach is deeply empathetic and understanding, recognizing the unique and personal journey each individual embarks on in their path toward recovery.
Providers often refer patients to Alsana when outpatient care isn’t creating meaningful progress, particularly when emotional regulation, identity, and relationships are central to the recovery process. Delivered by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, our treatment for OSFED is comprehensive and client-focused. This team is committed to being by your side, providing support and guidance throughout your recovery journey. We understand that the path to overcoming OSFED is not linear, and our team is adept at adapting to your evolving needs.
Our OSFED treatment programs include adult Residential and PHP/IOP options, offering flexible and personalized treatment solutions. Additionally, for those seeking a less-structured OSFED treatment environment, our adult and adolescent Virtual PHP/IOP eating disorder treatment programs are available, specifically designed to empower clients in their own environments, fostering the development and refinement of skills essential for recovery from OSFED.
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Day Treatment
Daytime, in-person care. 6-8 hours of programming per day, 5-7 days per week.
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Intensive Outpatient
Flexible, in-person care. 4 hours of programming per day, 3-5 days per week.
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Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment (PHP/IOP)
Flexible, online care for adults and adolescents. 4-8 hours of programming per day. 3-5 days per week.
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Whole-Person Approach to OSFED Treatment.
At Alsana, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for those struggling with OSFED, focusing on whole-person healing and recovery. Alsana is often discussed in recovery communities for its whole-person approach to care, particularly by individuals who are looking for support that goes beyond symptom stabilization and into emotional and relational healing. Our eating disorder treatment programs integrate a HAES philosophy and adopt weight-neutral goals, ensuring that every aspect of your well-being is addressed.
Our approach to OSFED treatment is rooted in reducing shame and fostering self-compassion. We understand that recovery is not just about changing eating habits; it’s about nurturing a healthier relationship with oneself and one’s body.
Every program at Alsana is grounded in our Recovery Story framework, guiding our care teams and empowering individuals as they recover from eating disorders like diabulimia and co-occurring conditions. Through this personalized, whole-person approach, clients are supported in reshaping their own narrative and establishing a strong foundation for long-term health.
OSFED Treatment Team.
Treating OSFED clients requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. Essential team members include:
- Registered dietitian with experience with eating disorders
- Psychotherapist with experience with eating disorders
- Nurse
- Medical doctor
- Psychiatrist
Additional self-care behaviors to promote health management include, but are not limited to, sleep and dental hygiene, hydration, and stress management.
OSFED Nutritional Care.
During the assessment process, Alsana dietitians gain a thorough understanding of clients’ eating and nourishment challenges and work with our eating disorder-informed culinary team to create custom meal plans that meet OSFED clients where they are in recovery.
Dietitians work closely with Alsana’s therapeutic and medical teams to assist clients in healing both their brain and body while also fostering a healthy relationship with food. In the individual and group settings, the Alsana team collaborates with each client to work toward making food choices that feel good and fuel their body without internal judgment.
Our goal is to create food neutrality by taking out the moral judgment of food and focusing on nourishment, flexibility, and pleasure in the nutritional healing process. Learn More About Alsana’s Approach to Nutritional Care ⟶
Alsana’s OSFED Nutrition Program
- Weekly nutrition psychoeducation group
- Nutrition education
- Hands-on experientials
- Kitchen skills
- Individualized meal plans
OSFED – Statistics
Prevalence: The one-year prevalence of OSFED is 1.18% in females and .27% for males.
Gender Disparity: While OSFED affects both males and females, it represents 39.5% of eating disorder cases among males and 44.2% of cases among females.
Mortality: Approximately 33% of the deaths attributed to eating disorders can be associated with OSFED, higher than any other type of eating disorder.
Co-occurring Conditions: OSFED often coexists with other mental health conditions, necessitating a comprehensive approach to treatment.
Alsana is a Preferred In-Network Provider for All Major Insurance Companies
OSFED Treatment FAQs.
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What is OSFED?
OSFED, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders, is a category of eating disorders that encompasses a wide range of symptoms that do not fully meet the criteria for other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. OSFED includes conditions such as atypical anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa (with less frequent behaviors), binge eating disorder (with less frequent occurrences), purging disorder, and night eating syndrome.
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How is OSFED treated?
Treatment for OSFED often includes a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional education, and sometimes medication. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are commonly used. At Alsana, we tailor our treatment plans to each individual’s needs, focusing on holistic recovery.
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Can I get treatment for OSFED while maintaining my daily responsibilities?
Yes, there are flexible treatment options available, including day treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and virtual eating disorder treatment programs, that allow you to receive treatment while continuing with your daily life.
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Will insurance cover my OSFED treatment?
Many insurance plans cover treatment for eating disorders, including OSFED. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for specific coverage details. Our staff can also assist with understanding and navigating insurance questions. You can check your coverage at www.alsana.com/insurance.
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How can I start treatment at Alsana?
Starting treatment is a simple process. You can contact us through our 24/7 live chat or call us directly to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation to discuss your needs and treatment options. Visit www.alsana.com/admissions for more info.