Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

What is Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder?

This rather strange sounding diagnosis is actually the most common eating disorder diagnosis of all. It was previously known as “eating disorder not otherwise specified” or EDNOS, although this diagnosis was also not well known. OSFED encapsulates almost all eating disorders which do not fall under the other main diagnoses. This might be someone who has bulimic symptoms but binges or purges less than once a week. Or it may be someone who purges, but doesn’t binge. Or it may be someone who flips between restriction and bingeing, effectively yo-yo dieting, but experiencing significant distress as a result of it.

Sometimes people think that a diagnosis of OSFED isn’t a “proper” eating disorder, or is less severe than other eating disorders. This is not true, as people with OSFED need treatment just as much as anyone else.

What is the best treatment for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder?

The recommended treatment depends on what form the OSFED takes. Where there is a lot of restriction and low weight, the treatment for anorexia would be best and when there is bingeing or purging, the treatment for bulimia or binge eating disorder would be best. In most cases a form of CBT-E would be indicated in the first instance.