An Unseen Problem: Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

|A mental health topic that is not often be talked about in every life, but that impacts a huge percentage of the population around the world, relates to an  individuals relationship with food that is interconnected with self-esteem and body image. It is estimated that 20 million women and 10 million men in the USA will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime.

Although there are several types of distinct eating disorders, there are others that may not fit neatly into the categories specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual that is used to diagnose mental health disorders. To understand this 'unseen problem' better, the guest blogger of the following article describes a first-person experience of life with an eating disorder which highlights the importance of reaching out and accepting support and treatment along the way.

Please note: The information in this article is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your health and well-being, concerned you may have an eating disorder or if you or someone else is in an immediate crisis situation, reach out to a health professional, crisis line, or your nearest emergency service for more support.

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An Unseen Problem:
​Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

An Unseen Problem
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I was a normal weighted and generally healthy 20 year old. I even looked completely happy on the outside. Looking at the picture above, you would find it hard to believe that I suffered immensely at the hands of an eating disorder. I was not bulimic, nor was I categorized as anorexic, yet everyday I obsessed over calories, exercise, and eating as little as I could.

​I did not classify as anorexic, because I was still a normal weight and was otherwise healthy. I also didn’t vomit after meals, so I didn’t classify as bulimic either. I did not fit neatly into a category of any particular eating disorder. I was later diagnosed as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), which is now referred to as Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED).

What is EDNOS/OSFED?

EDNOS is an acronym for Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. According to NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association), it is now referred to as OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders). I will refer to it as ENDOS, because at the time of diagnosis, that is what it was called. It means that the individual has some characteristics of the classically diagnosed eating disorders, but not enough to be fully diagnosed.

​So if a person has EDNOS, they will exhibit an unhealthy relationship with food and most likely with their weight as well. EDNOS is pretty sizable threat, even though it is neither anorexia or bulimia. It makes up to 70% of the eating disordered population and is widespread issue across the globe.

Related: What is Disordered Eating?

My Experience With EDNOS
 
The patterns of an eating disorder started to show up at around 16 years of age, and only got worse with time. I would go on A LOT of crash diets, with a ridiculously low daily caloric intake of 300 calories or below (starvation mode sets in at 600 calories or below). I would go on these diets and then after about a week, I would become so hungry, that I would binge eat non-stop for days.

Due to this strange pattern of eating, I stayed at a consistently healthy weight. Even though I was at a healthy weight, the eating disorder had completely taken over my life by 20 years old.

Constant starvation had me weak and tired during the week, and on the weekends, I over ate to the point where it hurt. I had no life, because of all this. I avoided lots of social situations, because a lot of them involved food.

​When my family would drag me to a restaurant, I would usually just sit there with a glass of water and nothing else. It made spending time with me VERY difficult. Even though it was already having such a negative impact on my life, it took me years to finally admit that I had a legitimate problem and needed professional help.

Related: ​The Connection Between Body Image & Self-Esteem

​Getting Help

When I had finally had enough of my eating disorder,I sought professional help. I could not have gotten all the help that I got without my parents though. They were my support system though all of this, which I am thankful for, because I know I wouldn’t have gotten help on my own.

I went to appointment after appointment to talk about my obsession with weight loss with my psychologist and psychiatrist. The psychiatrist recommended that I go to an eating disorder treatment center. At first, I was very opposed to the idea claiming that I was “not sick enough.” Eventually, I came to my senses and went to the treatment center. It ended up being a crucial part of my recovery from EDNOS.

"If you have any signs of an eating disorder that are impacting your life in a negative way, please do not shy away from seeking help. It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside or how much you weigh, if your mental health is at stake, talk to someone about it."

The Takeaway

The reason why I wrote this post is, because I hope it sheds light on a serious condition, that is a little harder to diagnose than other eating disorders. If you have any signs of an eating disorder that are impacting your life in a  negative way, please do not shy away from seeking help. It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside or how much you weigh, if your mental health is at stake, talk to someone about it.
 
If you don’t have someone to talk to in person, you can always reach out to the NEDA hotline for any questions or concerns about eating disorders, at 1-800-931-2237.

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About the Guest Blogger |

Amanda @ mandahope.com

I am a 30 year old stay at home mom, who does their best to grow and learn everyday. I am an introvert, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like a good party. I function despite having bipolar II, anxiety, and depression. I hope to help others that are mentally ill, but hey, there are tips on here that are good for you, whether you’re mentally ill or not.

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Related articles:

• ​3 Types of Eating Disorders​
• What You Need to Know About Youth & Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders: Treatment, Support & Recovery

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