If you or a loved one is struggling with disordered eating, we’re here to help. This page will provide helpful information, treatment options and guidance on what steps you can take.
What Is OSFED?
OSFED stands for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder. An individual can be diagnosed with OSFED when their symptoms do not neatly fall into one of the other eating disorder diagnostic categories. It is important to note that this does not make OSFED any less serious or worthy of treatment compared to other eating disorders. In fact, OSFED is the most common of all eating disorders and affects individuals of all ages, races and genders.
Emotional Characteristics of OSFED
Individuals with OSFED suffer from the same emotional struggles as those with other eating disorders including depression, anxiety, trauma, and body dissatisfaction—however, eating-related behaviors do not fit the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, or ARFID.
OSFED Warning Signs
Similar to any other type of eating disorder, OSFED can have serious medical consequences. Those struggling with it can still experience significant distress and impairment.
Here are some common warning signs and symptoms of OSFED:
- Weight fluctuations
- Dietary restriction or food preoccupation
- Compulsive exercise
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Excessive fatigue
- Emotional distress
- Distorted body image
- Dizziness or fainting
- Sleep disturbances
Is it Really an Eating Disorder?
We live in a culture with rigid ideals about food, weight and size, so it can be difficult to recognize when your thoughts and behaviors have become dangerous. Take a quiz and find out.
OSFED Treatment & Levels of Care
Recovery means more than just stopping disordered eating habits. It also means identifying the behaviors and emotions that underlie disordered eating to begin with – and then working to build emotional tolerance so that individuals no longer need eating disorder symptoms to cope.
To achieve this outcome, individuals must determine the best treatment environment and philosophy for their needs. Here is an overview of the most common types of treatment for OSFED.
Residential Treatment
Continuous in-person treatment. Often the most structured and intensive level of care.
Day Treatment
Comprehensive and consistent outpatient care with daily, in-person meetings.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Intensive structure and treatment plans with consistent meetings several days per week.
Outpatient Services
Weekly structure and steady support, but provided at a slower pace than IOP.
Virtual Treatment
The same structured, intensive care of in-person, delivered virtually.
How to Help Someone with Disordered Eating – OSFED
Individuals with eating disorders deserve and require professional evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Parents, family or friends—in collaboration with a mental health professional—can play an active and essential role in restoring healthy eating.
Reach out to a Renfrew Program Information Specialist to schedule a FREE assessment or to learn more about our services.
OSFED FAQ
What is OSFED?
OSFED, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, is a category of eating disorders that includes individuals whose symptoms don’t fit the criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder but still cause significant distress and impairment.
How common is OSFED?
OSFED is one of the most common eating disorders, accounting for about 30% of individuals seeking treatment for an eating disorder. It is prevalent across various demographics and often under-recognized.
Are there specific types of OSFED?
Yes, there are several forms OSFED can take based on the specific symptoms an individual may have. These include:
Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: All criteria for anorexia nervosa are met, except that despite significant weight loss, the individual’s weight is within or above the “normal range”. The psychological symptoms of anorexia can affect individuals of all shapes and sizes, and restriction of intake can cause severe medical and psychological complications regardless of weight.
Bulimia Nervosa (of low frequency and/or limited duration): All criteria for bulimia nervosa are met, except that binge eating and compensatory behaviors occur less frequently or for a shorter duration than required for a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa.
Binge Eating Disorder (of low frequency and/or limited duration): All criteria for binge eating disorder are met, except that binge eating occurs less frequently or for a shorter duration than required for a diagnosis of binge eating disorder.
Purging Disorder: Recurrent purging behavior to influence weight or shape in the absence of binge eating.
Night Eating Syndrome: Recurrent episodes of night eating, manifesting as eating after awakening from sleep or excessive food consumption after the evening meal.
What causes OSFED?
The causes of OSFED are multifactorial, including genetic predisposition, psychological factors ( (such as co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, and PTSD), environmental influences (like societal pressure, weight stigma, and diet culture), and biological factors (such as hormonal and chemical imbalances).
What are the most common signs for OSFED?
Common signs of OSFED include significant weight fluctuations, preoccupation with food and body image, restrictive eating, mood disturbances, secretive eating habits, and emotional distress related to eating. Physical symptoms might include fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, abnormal bloodwork, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
How do I know if I need treatment for OSFED?
If eating habits, thoughts about food, or body image cause significant distress, interfere with daily functioning, or lead to physical health issues, it’s important to seek professional help. Early intervention can improve outcomes and support recovery.
What should I do if I’m curious about treatment?
A confidential phone conversation with one of our Program Information Specialists is the best way to learn more about our services, answer your questions and address your concerns: Call 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739). You can also explore our virtual tours for Philadelphia-Spring Lane and Coconut Creek to experience our facilities from the comfort of your home.
What forms of treatment are most effective for OSFED?
OSFED is a complex psychiatric disorder that rarely travels alone. An effective treatment approach will ideally include a multidisciplinary team that works together to target multiple factors, including the eating disorder symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, medical complications, and any co-occurring mental health diagnoses. A comprehensive eating disorder assessment is recommended to identify your needs and choose the appropriate level of care.
What is Renfrew’s treatment approach for OSFED?
The Renfrew Center provides treatment for OSFED through a multidisciplinary team of therapists, dietitians, medical providers, and psychiatrists. The Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders is the transdiagnostic, evidenced based treatment approach used to treat OSFED by harnessing the healing power of relational connection and targeting the core mechanisms that maintain eating disorders and co-occurring emotional disorders.
What is the role of a treatment team in OSFED recovery?
The treatment team supports and collaborates with each client, assesses the severity of the eating disorder symptoms, and monitors the progress in the recovery process. They make recommendations and provide individualized treatment interventions to meet their client’s psychological, medical, and nutritional needs. Support systems and outpatient providers are often a part of the treatment team to promote sustainable change outside of the treatment setting.
What is the long-term outlook for someone with OSFED?
Early intervention and the appropriate level of care can make a significant difference in the long-term recovery of those with OSFED. Due to the complex nature of the disorder, it will not likely resolve on its own or with time. Seeking out the appropriate level of care as soon as possible is recommended for best outcomes.
What can I do to support someone struggling?
We recommend that loved ones educate themselves on eating disorders and seek guidance from professionals when possible. It is important to note that eating disorders are not ‘fads’ or ‘phases’ and should not be ignored or dismissed. Family and friends should approach their loved one with compassion and concern and take steps to involve professionals as soon as possible.
Binge Eating Disorder: Warning Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder, affecting roughly 3 percent of U.S. adults. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder: What’s the Difference?
Disordered eating and eating disorders share many similarities, and both can cause significant problems physically, mentally and socially. Here’s what you need to know.
Night Eating Syndrome vs. Binge Eating Disorder: What’s the Difference?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Night Eating Syndrome (NES) are similar but distinct diagnoses. In this post, we break down the differences.
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