Explain the Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)?

Earlier, we emphasized that a diagnostic category for eating disorders that fail to meet full criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa is termed as eating disorder not otherwise specified. In fact, according to the American Psychiatric Association, this category is for disorders of eating that do not meet criteria for any specific eating disorder. These disorders are highlighted in Table.

It is interesting to note that patients who fall under eating disorder not otherwise specified constitute about 50% of the population suffering with eating disorders. It is equally important to understand that if left untreated, patients with an eating disorder not otherwise specified may develop full-fledged anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Besides EDNOS, another-specific eating disorder identified is the binge eating disorder. Let us get to understand it and see how it differs from other eating disorders.

Table: Diagnostic criteria for eating disorders not otherwise specified