EDNRB

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Specialty	Psychiatry
Symptoms	Varied eating behaviors that do not meet the criteria for specific eating disorders
Complications	Malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, heart problems
Usual onset	Typically adolescence or young adulthood
Duration	Variable
Causes	Multifactorial, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors
Risk factors	Family history, societal pressure, psychological issues
Diagnostic method	Clinical assessment
Treatment	Cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, medication
Prognosis	Variable
Frequency	Common

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) was a diagnostic category used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to describe eating disorders that do not meet the criteria for specific disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. In the DSM-5, EDNOS has been replaced by Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) and Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED).

Overview

EDNOS was introduced to capture the wide variety of eating disorder symptoms that did not fit neatly into the more well-defined categories of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Individuals with EDNOS might exhibit a mix of symptoms from different eating disorders or have unique symptoms that do not align with any specific disorder.

Symptoms

The symptoms of EDNOS are diverse and can include:

• Eating patterns that resemble anorexia nervosa but with normal weight
• Binge eating without compensatory behaviors typical of bulimia nervosa
• Purging without binge eating
• Night eating syndrome
• Atypical eating behaviors that cause significant distress or impairment

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of EDNOS was primarily clinical, based on the presentation of symptoms that did not fully meet the criteria for other eating disorders. Clinicians would assess the individual's eating behaviors, psychological state, and physical health to determine the presence of an eating disorder.

Causes

The causes of EDNOS are similar to those of other eating disorders and are multifactorial. They include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Environmental influences, such as cultural and societal pressures
• Psychological factors, including low self-esteem and perfectionism
• Family dynamics and history of eating disorders

Treatment

Treatment for EDNOS typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address distorted thoughts and behaviors
• Nutritional counseling to establish healthy eating patterns
• Medication, such as antidepressants, to manage co-occurring mental health conditions
• Family therapy to address familial influences and support recovery

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with EDNOS varies widely depending on the severity of symptoms, the presence of co-occurring disorders, and the individual's response to treatment. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment can improve outcomes.

Also see

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
• Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• Fairburn, C. G., & Harrison, P. J. (2003). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 361(9355), 407-416.