EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)

Eating disorders are very complex which means that there can be variations in the typical signs and symptoms and that not all of the signs and symptoms will apply to all people. There are many people that are diagnosed with EDNOS.

These are disorders where you have some but not all of the diagnostic signs for anorexia or bulimia. You may also be diagnosed with a ‘partial syndrome’ eating disorder if for example you are a woman with Anorexia who has irregular or normal periods, or perhaps your bulimic episodes are very infrequent.

How EDNOS is diagnosed

There are many different behaviours which can help a professional to diagnose EDNOS. Here are some examples of what some typical diagnoses might include:

• All the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa are met, except the individual has regular menses or despite significant weight loss, the individual's current weight is within the normal range.
• All the criteria for Bulimia Nervosa are met except binges occur at a frequency of less than twice a week or a duration of less than three months.
• An individual of normal body weight who regularly engages in inappropriate compensatory behaviour after eating small amounts of food (e.g. self induced vomiting after the consumption of two biscuits).
• An individual who repeatedly chews and spits out, but does not swallow, large amounts of food.