EDNOS, Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified

EDNOS stands for eating disorders not otherwise specified. EDNOS patients are people who definitely have an eating disorder, but do not fit into a specific category such as anorexia and bulimia. It is more of a gray area, where perhaps a couple eating disorders are mixed in.

Some people with EDNOS may starve themselves like an anorexic patient for a period of time, then binge and purge like bulimic sufferers. Some may become obsessed with a particular food or fad diets. Some will exercise to the extreme.

EDNOS effects both females and males, and the numbers vary immensely when trying to get a definitive take on which sex suffers more. This is partly due to the fact of under reporting of the patient to the doctor, as it can be hidden a lot easier than any other ED. Because of the mix of what they choose to do, like starving for a time, then eating for a time, people suffering from EDNOS don't have the typical appearance of most people with an ED. Typically though, unless an athlete trying to stay in a lower weight class, the males suffering from EDNOS try to gain weight, or bulk up.

EDNOS-Obstacles

It's very hard to recover from EDNOS. Because there isn't usually the appearance of deathly thin or morbidly obese, when the sufferer finally decides to seek help, many are shunned, even by doctors and psychologists.

They are told things like they just have low self-esteem and have no "real health issues". Just like addiction never truly goes away, I believe EDNOS and any ED stays with you to a certain degree. That little voice pops up sometimes saying: "Just do what you used to do and you'll be thin and happy again". Thing is, if you're EDNOS, or ED, there is no happy weight.

Because extreme dieting also mixed with extreme exercising and binge eating, the person's weight goes up and down. Most do not usually remain in the danger zone of weight, so doctors didn't used to take the person seriously. Many still don't, but at least they are beginning to understand the seriousness of it. Because of this, any sufferers have to face this problem alone which causes a much longer road to recovery.

EDNOS-Mortality Rate

The American Journal of Psychiatry has reported that after an outpatient study, the mortality rate for EDNOS sufferers is higher than other ED's. The mortality rate for EDNOS patients was 5.2%. Sufferers of bulimia was 3.9%. The mortality rate of people with anorexia was 4.0%.

So why the higher rate in an eating disorder up until now considered a mild ED? Most likely because of that very fact, it being considered a mild ED. Where someone with Anorexia is in obvious need of help, EDNOS sufferers can go years and years hiding their condition and appear to be healthy.

So watch your loved ones and listen carefully. There are many people suffering from EDNOS, millions actually. Chances are someone you know or love may be suffering.

The video included should not be watched with children present. It is not obscene, but it is a graphic depiction of what EDNOS and other ED's can do.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/711212?src=rss