eating disorder, not otherwise specified
Quick Summary
"Eating disorder, not otherwise specified" (EDNOS) is a diagnosis given to individuals whose eating disturbances are clinically significant but do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. These disorders are characterized by atypical eating patterns, which can include compulsive overeating or the consumption of nonfood substances (pica).12
While anorexia nervosa involves significant weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight, and bulimia nervosa includes binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like purging, EDNOS encompasses a broader range of issues. Examples include binge eating disorder without compensatory behaviors or purging disorder where vomiting or laxative misuse occurs after normal food intake. These conditions often have a psychological component and can lead to malnutrition, underweight, or obesity.12
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