ED-NOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
ED-NOS (AKA "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified") is just a fancy way for the doctors to say they don't really know what disorder you have. ED-NOS can be any combination of traits from the anorexic, bulimic, or COE/BED disorders. Someone with ED-NOS could be displaying completely anorexic traits, but not meeting the weight criteria to be officially diagnosed. To me, ED-NOS is bullshit on the art of the doctors (in most cases). However, there are some very unique cases where ED-NOS is actually a genuine diagnosis. But that's just me getting on my high horse about how lackng one of the criteria for a diagnosis throws you into the ED-NOS category.
What causes ED-NOS?
Just like anorexia and bulimia, there really is no known cause for ED-NOS. However, I do believe that ED-NOS can be just a middle ground that someone is at until they meet ALL of the criteria for an eating disorder. Confusing, but true. Most ED-NOS girls I know, have every sign and every symptom of either bulimia or anorexia, however, they are too "heavy" to be categorized as either.
What are the signs and symptoms of ED-NOS?
ED-NOS can have almost any (or all) symptoms of other eating disorders. There is no set signs for ED-NOS because ED-NOS is pretty much just the diagnosis they give you if you don't fit the specific mold of any other disorder, but are obviously disordered in your eating habits. To get an idea of the symptoms that can accompany ED-NOS please read all of the other sections under the disorders category.
What treatments are available for ED-NOS?
The majority of patients who actually seek treatment are treated in an outpatient therapy fashion, however if their medical condition requires immediate attention, they may hospitalized to receive emergency medical care and to facilitate a more rapid weight gain. Some patients are placed into a psychiatric hospital setting (either voluntarily or involuntarily). A psychiatric hospital provides intense counseling, as well as addressing physical issues. Hospitalization isn't easy and can be quite frightening. Having been there several times, I can definitely say it's not something to take lightly and definitely not something to do unless you are completely ready to recover.
Published by Samantha Van Vleet - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness and Lifestyle
Samantha Van Vleet is a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator and third year pre-medical student. She, her husband and her three children reside in southcentral Alaska. She is actively involved... View profile
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