OSFED

Despite the misconception that eating disorders only affect young, white females, eating disorders do not discriminate. OSFED can affect people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) was previously known as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) in past editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

Despite being considered a ‘catch-all’ classification that was sometimes denied insurance coverage for treatment as it was seen as less serious, OSFED/EDNOS is a serious, life-threatening, and treatable eating disorder. The category was developed to encompass those individuals who did not meet strict diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa but still had a significant eating disorder. In community clinics, the majority of individuals were historically diagnosed with EDNOS.

Each person will have a unique journey to recover from their eating disorder. Working with a therapist will allow you to understand the role of your eating disorder and to learn how to cope healthily without relying on your disordered behaviors. Additionally, you may work with a physician, psychiatrist, and/or dietitian to address all areas of your wellbeing.

Yes, absolutely! We are happy to work with clients stepping down from higher level of care that are looking for support to continue their recovery journey.

Therapy can be a beneficial resource for many people, but is especially helpful for those in recovery from an eating disorder. While there are many reasons, some of the main ones include understanding the factors that led to the development of their eating disorder, treating co-occurring condition such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, developing a better self-esteem and building confidence, addressing body image concerns, address family issues and strengthen relationships, and building coping skills to maintain recovery.

Meeting with a therapist and discussing the thoughts and behaviors you are experiencing is the first step to diagnosing an eating disorder.

Changes to the latest edition of the DSM were meant to clarify definitions of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder to more accurately diagnose eating disorders. Although this reduced the number of OSFED diagnoses, it remains a common diagnosis. In the DSM-5, a person must present with feeding or eating behaviors that cause clinically significant distress and impairment, but do not meet the full criteria for any of the other disorders.

A diagnosis might then be assigned that addresses the specific reason why the presentation does not meet the specifics of another disorder (e.g., bulimia nervosa - low frequency).

Eating disorders including anorexia are believed to result from a combination of biological, environmental, and social factors. A useful way of thinking about what causes an eating disorder is to distinguish predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors that contribute to its onset and maintenance.

Simply finding yourself on this page means there may be a small part of you that may be ready to recover. We welcome you to book an appointment with one of our therapists to discuss where you are and provide an opportunity to explore what recovery means and what you may be fearful of.