Introduction
Eating disorders are a serious mental health concern that can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical and mental health. Atypical eating disorders, while not as widely known as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, are a growing area of concern for clinicians and researchers alike. Atypical eating disorders are characterized by a combination of disordered eating behaviors, disturbances in body image, and psychological symptoms. This article provides an overview of atypical eating disorder, its symptoms, associated risk factors, and potential treatments.
Definition
Atypical eating disorder is a term used to describe a range of disordered eating behaviors that do not meet the criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder. Atypical eating disorders can be divided into two general categories: subthreshold eating disorders and atypical eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Subthreshold eating disorders are characterized by eating disorder symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for any of the other specified eating disorders. EDNOS, on the other hand, are characterized by a range of disordered eating behaviors, disturbances in body image, and psychological symptoms that do not meet the criteria for any of the other specified eating disorders.
Symptoms
The symptoms of atypical eating disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder. Generally, individuals with atypical eating disorders may display a combination of disordered eating behaviors, disturbances in body image, and psychological symptoms. Examples of disordered eating behaviors may include restrictive eating, binge eating, purging, and compulsive overeating. Individuals may also experience an excessive preoccupation with body shape and weight, as well as feelings of guilt and shame related to food and eating. Additional psychological symptoms may include depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of atypical eating disorders is not known, but there are several potential risk factors that have been identified. These include genetic and environmental factors, psychological factors, and biological factors. Genetic factors may include family history of eating disorders, while environmental factors may include exposure to dieting and body image pressures. Psychological factors may include low self-esteem, perfectionism, and difficulty managing stress. Biological factors may include changes in brain chemistry and hormones.
Treatment
The treatment of atypical eating disorders is similar to the treatment of other types of eating disorders. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been found to be effective in treating atypical eating disorders. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Medication may also be prescribed to treat associated psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Conclusion
Atypical eating disorders are a growing area of concern for clinicians and researchers alike. Atypical eating disorders are characterized by a combination of disordered eating behaviors, disturbances in body image, and psychological symptoms. Potential risk factors include genetic and environmental factors, psychological factors, and biological factors. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
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Lamberg, L. (2012). Atypical eating disorders: Eating disorders not otherwise specified. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/head-games/201204/atypical-eating-disorders
National Eating Disorders Association. (n.d.). Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/eating-disorders-not-otherwise-specified-ednos
Stice, E., & Shaw, H. (2004). Eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS): An umbrella or residual category? In D.M. Garner & P.E. Garfinkel (Eds.), Handbook of treatment for eating disorders (3rd ed., pp. 710–735). New York, NY: Guilford Press.