Other specified eating disorder, also known as OSFED, is an eating disorder in which individuals may have symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, but the symptoms blur the lines between all three, and do not fit neatly into one diagnostic category.
Individuals struggling with other specified eating disorders, previously known as not otherwise specified eating disorder, have extremely disordered eating habits, an intense fear of gaining weight, low-self esteem, and a poor body image. OSFED is much more common than you may think. In fact, this disorder accounts for up to 50% of all eating disorder cases.
Because of the severity of other specified eating disorders, treatment is crucial. OSFED may progress to anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder if left untreated.
With all eating disorders, the sooner an individual with OSFED receives treatment, the more likely it is that he or she will achieve full recovery. At Eating Disorder Solutions in Dallas, Texas, we understand the risk of ignoring OSFED and the important role that comprehensive treatment plays in creating a better future for those who experience it. Learn about our treatment plans for other specified eating disorder and contact us for an evaluation.
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Other Specified Eating Disorder Treatment at Eating Disorder Solutions
Since eating disorders can trigger a range of symptoms with various levels of severity, they are complex disorders to address. However, they are very treatable with the right professional care. Eating Disorder Solutions provides effective other specified eating disorder treatment that supports long-term recovery. Our programs consist of personalized residential and outpatient options that support clients’ mental health and nutritional needs.
The main characteristic of OSFED are symptoms related to multiple eating disorders or too few symptoms to meet the typical diagnostic criteria. Individuals also tend to have different underlying causes of the disorder, and everyone responds to treatment in a different way. For these reasons, we personalize each OSFED treatment plan according to individual needs. Our medical doctor, psychiatrist and registered dietitian get to know each client on a personal level in order to fully optimize his or her program.
The process starts with a full medical and mental health examination. The physical evaluation involves tests to determine gastrointestinal, kidney and liver function. It also checks electrolyte levels and physical capabilities. The mental evaluation involves meeting with our psychiatrist to identify any underlying mental disorders. With the results, our team can formulate a plan that’s conducive to each individual’s goals.
Residential OSFED Treatment
The residential program at Eating Disorder Solutions provides a stress-free environment where individuals can recover. Our supportive program promotes change in a therapeutic way so that clients can regain control over their lives. Individuals stay at our facility, so we provide all of the necessities that they need. This includes meals and snacks. Our registered dietitian develops a meal plan based on each client’s needs and is available to help him or her choose the best foods to maintain a balanced diet. The objective is to educate individuals about nutrition so that they can continue making healthy choices when they leave our treatment center.
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Outpatient Programs
Our other specified eating disorder treatment facility offers outpatient programs as a step-down approach to treatment. These programs continue to provide guidance after clients complete residential OSFED treatment. When many individuals leave a residential facility, they become easily overwhelmed by the additional stress and other triggers. Our outpatient programs give them the support that they need to continue healing and stay focused on recovery as they adjust to living at home again.
Our partial hospitalization program is often the first step down in our outpatient OSFED treatment plan, and it includes five or six days of therapy and other services each week. Every day begins with treatment, but individuals return home at the end of each day. It’s a great starting point for the transition to functioning without 24-hour care as individuals gain more freedom than residential treatment allows.
As the final step down, our intensive outpatient program includes four hours of ongoing support three days per week. With the extra freedom, individuals can go back to school or work and become more functional members of their households. Meanwhile, they continue to receive therapy and other guidance as they begin to experience more stressors and triggers.
Whether individuals are in residential treatment, PHP or IOP, our team provides a range of evidence-based services to support long-term OSFED recovery. The combination of services ensures that our programs meet every need and address all underlying issues of other specified eating disorders.
OSFED Therapy
Individual and group therapies are staples for other specified eating disorder treatment and are part of the daily schedule. The individual sessions allow clients to dig deep into underlying problems. They involve working one-on-one with our psychiatrist on a personal level. The group sessions allow individuals to benefit from community support, which breaks the isolation that so many feel because of OSFED. It also removes the guilt and shame that they might have. Family therapy is an integral part of our OSFED treatment too. It helps family members understand why their loved ones have an eating disorder and teaches them how to be supportive in healthy ways.
Our psychiatrist may use a variety of therapy techniques during these sessions. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing unhealthy emotional, thought and behavioral processes. When individuals think or feel negatively about a situation, they’re very likely to behave in negative or destructive ways. By learning practical coping skills and developing more positive feelings and thoughts, they’re more likely to act in positive or constructive ways.
What Is OSFED?
While the APA has changed the name of this disorder from EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) to OSFED (other specified feeding or eating disorder), the definition has largely remained the same. Individuals living with other specified eating disorder can experience some symptoms of anorexia, bulimia or binge eating, but the symptoms may not fit into just one diagnostic classification. Instead, the lines are blurred between the three eating disorders. Eating or feeding behavior causes the individual severe distress, but the individual may not meet the full criteria of a specific eating disorder. Many individuals with other specified eating disorders develop mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Since there are blurred lines of other specified eating disorders, there are five examples of OSFED:
- Atypical anorexia nervosa: An individual has nearly all of the symptoms of anorexia, however, weight is still within or above the normal range despite weight loss.
- Binge eating or bulimia of low frequency and/or limited duration: All of the criteria for binge eating disorder or bulimia at met, however, the individual may not binge often or it has been for less than three months.
- Night eating syndrome: Repeated episodes of consuming large amounts of food at night or after awakening from sleep. These individuals typically consume 25% or more of the daily caloric intake during night eating sessions.
- Purging disorder: Recurrent purging to lose weight, however, the individual does not binge beforehand.
Despite that, other specified eating disorder is just as serious as the specified eating disorders. The medical and psychological consequences can be severe. Many individuals develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as anemia. Fatigue, weakness and hair loss are also common complications. The most alarming consequences, though, of other specified eating disorders are malnutrition, irregular heartbeat, osteoporosis, dehydration and organ failure. These are the reasons why other specified eating disorder treatment is so crucial.
Other Specified Eating Disorder Signs & Symptoms
Individuals who show signs of OSFED should seek other specified eating disorder treatment as soon as possible. On a psychological level, they may have distorted self-image and become preoccupied with eating, food, weight and body shape. Body dysmorphia is common among those with OSFED, causing them to perceive flaws others do not see.
Because of the distorted perception, individuals with other specified eating disorder are sensitive to comments about exercise, food, body and weight. They also tend to have anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and guilt or self-loathing. In addition, they have extreme disordered eating habits, including food preparation and eating rituals. As a result, they might develop anti-social and secretive behaviors. Additional OSFED signs and symptoms include weight fluctuations, losses or gains, menstrual cycle changes in girls and decreased libido in boys, bad breath and damaged teeth from forced vomiting, or frequent sickness because of a weakened immune system. Family and friends who notice these signs should help loved ones seek other specified eating disorder treatment.
How Other Specified Eating Disorder Is Diagnosed
When individuals seek other specified eating disorder treatment, a medical doctor or psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis. Health care professionals base the diagnosis on the guidance provided in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
At Eating Disorder Solutions in Dallas, Texas, our specialists are dedicated to performing detailed assessments to confirm diagnoses and provide the best treatment possible for individuals with other specified eating disorder. Our clients’ recovery is our top priority.
The Impact of OSFED if Left Untreated
As shown through the tragic realities of OSFED statistics, OSFED is a dangerous disorder that can produce serious health complications if left untreated. Since OSFED usually resembles other eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, or purging, it has many of the same health consequences. Without proper OSFED treatment, this disorder can lead to a variety of problems, including dental issues, nerve damage, osteoporosis, infertility, and kidney and heart failure. In some circumstances, these complications can even be fatal. If left untreated, OSFED can lead to a life devoid of quality, productivity, and overall happiness.
To minimize the risk of these effects and to help prevent OSFED from progressing to anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. With the right treatment, you can learn how to overcome your disorder and beat it, taking back control of your body and your life. At Eating Disorder Solutions, we provide personalized OSFED treatment, providing you the necessary tools and support to take the appropriate steps toward an effective OSFED recovery.
Contact Eating Disorder Solutions in Dallas, TX for OSFED Treatment
If you’ve noticed the signs and symptoms of OSFED in yourself or a loved one, contact Eating Disorder Solutions for a confidential consultation. Seeking treatment for OSFED takes a lot of courage, and at Eating Disorder Solutions we understand this can be a scary step to take. Which is why we are here to help every step along the way, from the initial diagnosis, insurance coverage, treatment planning and the intake process. Get all your questions answered about the road to recovery with Eating Disorder Solutions intake and admissions guide. Let us guide you through your journey and help you achieve long-term recovery at our tranquil facility in Dallas, Texas.
What sets us apart from other eating disorder treatment programs is our individualized treatment programs. Our medical doctor, psychiatrist and registered dietitian get to know each client on a personal level in order to fully optimize his or her program.
Get in touch with us to learn more about or OSFED treatment programs and start your healing process.