In the fourth blog of our series highlighting the several types of eating disorders, we are going to explore Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).
In this article, we look at the characteristics and symptoms, the treatments available, and how you can support a loved one dealing with OSFED.
Please note that some of the content discussed in this blog may be triggering.
Eating disorder charity Beat estimates that around 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder, around 25% of those are male, and most people with an eating disorder are not underweight.
Usually, anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders are diagnosed using expected behavioural, psychological, and physical symptoms.
However, a person may show symptoms that do not fit the usual signs of the three main eating disorders.
In this case, they may be diagnosed with an “other specified feeding or eating disorder” (OSFED).
OSFED has the highest percentage of eating disorders – it can affect any person of any age, gender, ethnicity, or background. OSFED is an umbrella term and therefore people diagnosed with it may experience varying symptoms.
Some typical examples of OSFED can be:
OSFED is a serious mental illness – it is not only about the way a person views food, but also the feelings and thoughts surrounding it. As with most eating disorders, it can be a way to feel control for the person.
Again, as with most eating disorders, people with OSFED work extremely hard to hide their illness and a person suffering from it may not show physical symptoms for a long time, if ever.
A person with OSFED may have the following symptoms:
There is not one single cause of an eating disorder, and specialists think that they may develop due to several factors:
If you believe that you have OSFED, you should arrange an appointment with your GP as soon as you can. They will refer you for an assessment where you can access treatment for your eating disorder.
It can be difficult to admit that you have a problem and need support so we would advise bringing a friend, family or loved one along to your appointment.
The main treatments for eating disorders are often a mixture of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and medication (such as antidepressants). The type of antidepressant provided may be a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). They can help ease obsessive thoughts and behaviours.
People can recover from OSFED with the right support and treatment – but it does take time and patience.
Witnessing a friend, family member or loved one suffering from an eating disorder can be difficult and leave you feeling hopeless but there are ways to offer your help and support.
It is always beneficial to provide emotional support throughout the process of getting help – you can do this by attending appointments with them, helping them remember medication or even encouraging them to seek help in the first instance.
It is also important to try to be their rock – they will need a shoulder to cry on and continued support throughout their eating disorder.
You can read more about the subtle signs and symptoms of eating disorders in our article here.
For more information on supporting someone with an eating disorder, BEAT, an eating disorder charity, has further advice on their website.
Other organisations that offer support to individuals and their families and friends include Talk ED and Mind.
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https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/types/other-specified-feeding-or-eating-disorders
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/eating-disorders
Photo by Zhu Liang on Unsplash.
