What Is EDNOS?
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is an eating disorder diagnosis that is often received when individuals present with subclinical criteria (not meeting all diagnostic criteria) for other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. EDNOS is often a complicated diagnosis and is just as serious as other eating disorder diagnoses.
By: Elizabeth Foot
How Is EDNOS Different Than Other Eating Disorders?
While those with EDNOS do not meet all criteria for other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED), the degree to which these criteria are not fully met can be off by one or two items. For example, an individual who binges and purges once a week would be diagnosed with EDNOS since the DSM-IV criteria for BN requires an individual to binge and purge at least twice a week. Similarly, if an individual has a period but meets the weight criteria for AN, they would be diagnosed with EDNOS.
Is EDNOS Dangerous Like Other Eating Disorders?
Having EDNOS as a diagnosis is helpful since it can allow providers and treatment teams to work with individuals sooner, as this diagnosis intervenes with symptoms in a way that is not so strict and specific as it is for AN, BN, and BED. That being said, having EDNOS can be incredibly dangerous, and individuals with EDNOS often have the same level of risk for hospitalization and physiological, emotional, and cognitive consequences as those with AN, BN, and BED².
Signs and Symptoms of EDNOS
If you notice any of the following signs or behaviors in yourself or a loved one, checking in with a trusted provider might be helpful. Some behaviors to be on the lookout for include³:
Preoccupation with weight, assigning value to be “thin”
Restriction of food and intake as a means to lose weight
Excessive exercise
Frequent comments about body, food, eating habits, tracking macros, etc.
Constipation, lack of energy, abdominal pain, cold intolerance
Engagement in binge eating (objectively large amount of food consumed within 2 hours and feelings of shame, out of control, and guilt associated with intake)
Use of laxatives or diuretics
Frequent trips to the bathroom during or after meals
Eating in secret or avoiding eating in public
Frequent body checking
Difficulty concentrating / brain fog
Sleeping problems
Cuts and calluses on finger joints
Dental problems
Recognizing these might be a good excuse to touch base with yourself or a loved one to see how they’re doing. Many more individuals are likely to be facing EDNOS than those facing AN or BN, so ensuring you are open and supportive during conversations can be incredibly helpful for those reflecting on their habits and behaviors. Finally, making it a point to avoid any shame, anger, or frustration when reflecting or discussing with loved ones can allow space for those to process their own emotions and potentially pause their eating disorder voice enough to recognize these behaviors and habits are not productive to being the person they want to be and living their best life. This momentary disconnect from an eating disorder voice is incredibly empowering and can often be the first step towards considering any treatment or recovery.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we offer two FREE Virtual Eating Disorder Support Groups open to individuals seeking help and family and loved ones. The group provides a supportive forum where members can explore issues, including ambivalence about engaging in treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options, and knowing when and how to take the next steps toward making change. RSVP for our next group here.
Our admissions team would happily answer any questions about you or a loved one receiving eating disorder treatment. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Elizabeth Foot (she/her).
Elizabeth is currently pursuing her Master's of Public Health in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Michigan, on track to become a registered dietician. Prior to returning to school, Elizabeth received her B.A. in Public Policy from Hamilton College in 2020.
Since graduating Hamilton, Elizabeth has worked for an infertility insurance company as a marketing associate, has volunteered with Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association (MEDA), and has advocated on Capitol Hill for expanding insurance coverage to registered dietitians as part of the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC). Elizabeth is also a strong supporter of intuitive eating, HAES, and is excited to become a licensed practitioner working in the ED field. In her free time, Elizabeth can be found creating recipes, practicing yoga, or counting down the days until she can get a dog.
References
Walden Eating Disorders. (2022). The facts about eating disorders not otherwise specified (ENDOS). https://www.waldeneatingdisorders.com/popular-searches/ednos/.
Brennan, C., Illingworth, S., Cini, E., & Bhakta, D. (2023). Medical instability in typical and atypical adolescent anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of eating disorders, 11(1), 58. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00779-y
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR. American Psychiatric Association Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787.