Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS): Characteristics, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment
Abstract
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is an umbrella term for eating disorders that do not meet the criteria of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. This paper reviews the characteristics, clinical presentation, and treatment options for EDNOS. EDNOS is associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity, and is associated with a wide range of behaviors that can vary within and across individuals. Common characteristics of EDNOS include restrictive eating patterns, preoccupation with food and body weight, and distorted body image. EDNOS is a serious mental health issue and individuals affected by EDNOS should be assessed and treated by an experienced mental health professional. Treatment for EDNOS typically includes a combination of psychotherapy, nutrition therapy, and medications as needed.
Keywords: Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder
Introduction
Eating disorders are a serious class of mental illness characterized by abnormal eating patterns and behaviors that can result in significant physical and psychological morbidity. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the three most commonly recognized eating disorders. However, there is a fourth category that encompasses eating disorders that do not meet the criteria for the aforementioned disorders. This category is referred to as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). EDNOS is a heterogeneous category, and individuals affected by EDNOS can present with a wide range of eating disorder behaviors.
Characteristics
EDNOS is characterized by a wide range of behaviors and patterns, including restrictive eating, preoccupation with food and body weight, and distorted body image (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Fairburn & Bohn, 2005). Individuals with EDNOS may not meet criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder due to the severity or duration of the behaviors, but nevertheless, the behaviors are still classified as disordered and can be very distressing to the individual.
Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of EDNOS can vary widely. Individuals with EDNOS may present with behaviors such as extreme restriction of food intake, binge eating, purging, or a combination of these behaviors. They may also report extreme preoccupation with food and body weight, as well as distorted body image. EDNOS is also associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity, including electrolyte imbalances, depression, anxiety, and social isolation (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Fairburn & Bohn, 2005).
Treatment
EDNOS is a serious mental health issue and individuals affected by EDNOS should be assessed and treated by an experienced mental health professional. Treatment for EDNOS typically includes a combination of psychotherapy, nutrition therapy, and medications as needed. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for EDNOS and can be used to address distorted body image, eating behaviors, and underlying psychological issues (Fairburn & Bohn, 2005). Nutrition therapy is also an important component of treatment and can address food restriction, binge eating, and purging behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Medications may also be used to treat underlying psychological issues such as depression and anxiety (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Conclusion
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is an umbrella term for eating disorders that do not meet the criteria of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. EDNOS is associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity, and is associated with a wide range of behaviors that can vary within and across individuals. Treatment for EDNOS typically includes a combination of psychotherapy, nutrition therapy, and medications as needed.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Fairburn, C. G., & Bohn, K. (2005). Eating disorder not otherwise specified: Reflections on its evolution and treatment. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 37, 293-298. doi:10.1002/eat.20139