Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) is now recognized as the most common eating disorder, affecting approximately 3.8% of women and 1.6% of men at some point in their lives.
Earlier views saw it as less serious. But, research shows OSFED is just as severe and life-threatening. It is like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. For example, adolescents with OSFED require hospitalization at the same rate as those with anorexia. OSFED is attributed to about 33% of eating disorder deaths.
OSFED necessitates comprehensive treatment, recognizing the serious physical and psychological risks it poses. At our center, we are committed to treating OSFED effectively.
What is Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)?
OSFED was previously known as “Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).” It includes disorders that do not fully meet the criteria for other eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. OSFED is the most common eating disorder diagnosed in adults. It includes conditions such as atypical anorexia, which meets the full criteria for anorexia, except that the individual may not show significant weight loss.
Also, there’s an infrequent binge eating disorder, purging disorder without bulimia, and night eating syndrome, characterized by recurrent episodes of night eating and others. Each person with OSFED may have unique, disturbed eating habits. These habits greatly affect weight, shape, and health.
What Causes OSFED Disordered Eating?
A complex interplay of several factors influences the development of OSFED. Each individual’s journey into OSFED is unique and shaped by personal experiences and inherent characteristics.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetics plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing an eating disorder, with a notably higher risk observed if a close family member has also struggled with such disorders. Research shows that genetic factors can contribute to as much as 50-80% of the risk of developing eating disorders, indicating a strong hereditary component that can predispose individuals to specified feeding and eating disorders.
Neurobiology
Differences in the brain’s structure and function significantly contribute to the predisposition for eating disorders. These differences are primarily observed in areas of the brain that regulate hunger, fullness, and emotional responses. Abnormalities in these neural circuits can alter the way individuals experience cravings and control impulses, making them more susceptible to disordered eating behaviors.
Temperament
Certain personality traits are more commonly associated with the development of eating disorders. Traits such as perfectionism, high sensitivity to stress, and a tendency towards meticulousness can predispose individuals to OSFED. People with these traits often have higher standards for themselves and their appearances, which can contribute to the onset of disordered eating patterns.
Emotional Triggers
Unresolved emotions such as feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or trauma are significant triggers for OSFED. Individuals struggling with these emotions might adopt disordered eating behaviors as a coping mechanism. These behaviors are often used to exert control or manage stress, providing temporary relief from negative emotions.
Life Experiences
Life experiences such as traumatic events, bullying, significant life changes, or challenges in personal relationships can also contribute to the development of OSFED. Such experiences can foster feelings of powerlessness, leading individuals to seek control through their eating habits. This can manifest as highly restrictive eating, binging, or other abnormal eating patterns as a way to regain a sense of control.
Media and Societal Expectations
The pervasive societal norms and media portrayals that idealize thin or muscular bodies significantly impact individuals’ body image and can be a powerful trigger for OSFED. Media representation of diet culture, along with trends like elimination diets and juice cleanses, normalizes and even glorifies extreme behaviors that can lead to disordered eating.
Cultural and Social Pressure
Cultural and social pressures to adhere to specific diets or to maintain a certain body image for perceived success and social acceptance can be incredibly triggering for individuals predisposed to eating disorders. These pressures often amplify feelings of inadequacy and can push individuals toward unhealthy eating behaviors as they strive to meet unrealistic or unhealthy societal standards.
We aim to give our clients the tools they need for long-term recovery. They will also have a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. If you or someone you know has OSFED symptoms, remind them that recovery is possible.
OSFED Symptoms and Warning Signs
The symptoms and warning signs of OSFED can be diverse. They show up differently in each person. This reflects the complexity and seriousness of this disorder.
Diverse eating behaviors
These may include restricting calories. They may also include binge eating and purging behaviors. These include self-induced vomiting, laxative, or diuretic abuse. Some people may engage in less-recognized behaviors. An example is diabulimia, where insulin is manipulated for weight loss.
Preoccupation with food and body image
Many people focus intensely on food, body shape, or weight. They may develop extreme body dissatisfaction and have a distorted body image, like in body dysmorphic disorder.
Dietary restrictions and rituals
This might involve refusing to eat certain foods, like carbohydrates and fats. They might follow extremely rigid diets or have unusual food rituals. For example, they might be excessively concerned with food purity (orthorexia).
Emotional distress
Depression, anxiety, irritability, and heightened emotions, particularly around meal times, are common. These feelings can come from or lead to low self-esteem. They cause intense shame, guilt, or self-hate about eating.
Social avoidance
Many people avoid social situations with food. They may feel anxious about eating in public or being unable to control their eating in social settings.
How OSFED is Diagnosed at Our Center
At Twilight Recovery Center, diagnosing OSFED is a careful process done by our experienced treatment team. Our approach follows the standards set by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ensuring full and accurate assessment.
Initial Assessment
Our clinicians start with a detailed evaluation. They examine the person’s eating behaviors, mental health history, and physical health. This means understanding how often they eat and the nature and context of the eating. It also means understanding any attempts to control weight or body shape.
DSM-5 Criteria Application
To determine an OSFED diagnosis at our center, we apply the specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5. This includes identifying cases of Atypical Anorexia Nervosa, where all criteria for anorexia nervosa are met except the individual’s weight remains within or above the normal range despite significant weight loss.
For Bulimia Nervosa of Low Frequency and/or Limited Duration, the criteria for bulimia nervosa are met. Still, binge eating and compensatory behaviors such as purging occur less frequently or for less than three months.
Binge Eating Disorder of Low Frequency and/or Limited Duration is diagnosed when the criteria are met less frequently than in typical cases. Purging Disorder is characterized by recurrent purging to influence weight or shape in the absence of binge eating.
Lastly, Night Eating Syndrome is defined by episodes of eating after waking or excessive food consumption after the evening meal, causing significant distress and not attributable to other disorders.
Physical Health Checks
Our center conducts comprehensive physical health checks, including complete physical examinations. These are crucial to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might mimic or exacerbate the symptoms of the eating disorder. Identifying such conditions is essential as they can significantly influence the diagnosis and management plan, ensuring that our treatment accurately addresses all health aspects.
Psychological Evaluation
A thorough psychological evaluation is a key component of our diagnostic process. This evaluation aims to identify any co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which are prevalent in individuals with OSFED.
By understanding the full scope of psychological factors at play, we can develop a more effective treatment plan that addresses both the eating disorder symptoms and any underlying mental health challenges. This comprehensive approach is critical for successful treatment outcomes and long-term recovery.
We take a holistic approach, which ensures we understand and address all aspects of OSFED. We cover everything from the first symptoms to the psychological factors and health effects. We can tailor the diagnostic process to the individual’s circumstances. This way, we can make a treatment plan that meets their needs and promotes their long-term recovery and well-being.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Discontinuation of Adderall, especially after prolonged use, can precipitate a withdrawal syndrome characterized by a constellation of symptoms reflecting the body’s adjustment to the absence of the drug’s stimulatory effects.
Individual Therapy
At our core, we use evidence-based psychotherapies. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for eating disorder treatment. These therapies help people find and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their eating disorders. CBT focuses on understanding the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It empowers clients to disrupt disordered eating. DBT improves this approach by teaching skills to manage strong emotions and reduce impulsivity related to disordered eating.
Group and Family-Based Treatment
We recognize the importance of a supportive recovery environment. We offer group therapy sessions for people with eating disorders. They let clients share experiences and strategies with others facing similar challenges. Also, our family therapy involves family members. This is helpful for adolescents with OSFED. It ensures that the home becomes a supportive space for recovery.
Medication Management
Clients often have mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Their treatment plan may include medication. Our psychiatric team supervises this to ensure the best management of symptoms and mental health.
Levels of Care
We provide a full spectrum of treatment options tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring the best management of symptoms and mental health for those diagnosed with a specified feeding and eating disorder. We offer outpatient programs as part of our comprehensive eating disorder treatment for adults. We also have residential and inpatient care. Our facility can handle the levels of care our clients require.
Supportive Environment
Get OSFED Treatment Today
Recovery from OSFED is not only possible – it’s within reach. Twilight Recovery Center is committed to providing care with compassion and evidence for those with OSFED. Our serene setting and dedicated team offer a supportive environment where healing can thrive. If you or someone you know is struggling with OSFED, reach out today to learn how our tailored treatment programs can help.