Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

An eating disorder that does not meet the specific criteria for bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa but is still harmful.

Examples of EDNOS include:

• All of the criteria for anorexia nervosa are met, except the individual has regular menses.
• All of the criteria for anorexia nervosa are met, except that current weight is in the normal range, despite rapid weight loss.
• All of the criteria for bulimia nervosa are met, except binges happen less than twice a week or less than 3 months.
• Normal body weight but compensates for small amounts of food (e.g., self-induced vomiting after eating two cookies).
• Repeatedly chewing large amounts of food but spitting it out rather than swallowing.
• Binge-eating without compensatory behaviors, such as like self-induced vomiting or over-exercising.

There is a misconception that EDNOS is not as severe as other eating disorders, which often prevents individuals with this disorder from getting appropriate treatment. The symptoms of EDNOS are just as significant as those of the other eating disorders and require appropriate intervention.

Description adapted from Something Fishy