When the picture is not always clear
Other Specified Feeding & Eating Disorders (OSFED) is an eating disorder where the individual presents with many of the characteristics of other eating disorders, however does not meet all the required characteristics.
Individuals with OSFED will experience a range of physical, cognitive, and psychological effects.
Subtypes of OSFED
Atypical Anorexia Nervosa – despite losing a significant amount of weight, the individual’s body weight is considered to be within or above the normal range.
Bulimia Nervosa (of low frequency and/or limited duration) – behaviours related to bingeing and purging are not frequent enough to meet the diagnosis, i.e. occurs less than once a week and/or occurs over less than three months.
Binge Eating Disorder (of low frequency and/or limited duration) – behaviours related to bingeing are not frequent enough to meet the diagnosis, i.e. occurs less than once a week and/or occurs over less than three months.
Purging Disorder – the individual purges without bingeing.
Night Eating Syndrome – unusual eating behaviours at night, where the individual eats excessively after dinner, or eats upon eating in the middle of the night.
Recovery
If your suspect your loved one has OSFED, it is important to encourage them to seek help early. Your loved one may avoid getting help. It is important to keep persevering.
Your loved one’s treatment team will decide on the best type of treatment, and whether they can be cared for at home or in hospital.
While your loved one has the greatest chance of recovery by getting into treatment early, recovery is possible at any stage.
Get support
Families and carers can help loved ones recover, so where possible, stay connected with your loved one and their treatment team.
Join a Carer Support Group