Many of us are familiar with the terms anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder but what about women who don’t receive these labels but who are engaging in dangerous patterns of restriction or purging? The term these women receive is EDNOS or ‘Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.’
What is the prevalence of women receiving the ‘Eating Disorder Not Other Wise Specified’ diagnosis? Among American colleges, 6% of girls reported concerns over anorexia or bulimia, while 25- 40% reported disordered eating that fits an EDNOS diagnosis (Bishop, Baker& Baker, 1998; Schwitzer, et al., 2001; Tsai et al., 2001). This means they do not fit either the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Knowing that self-reporting can prevent one from revealing certain symptoms or feelings, both reports could be higher than what was reported. This is a very significant finding, however, as it highlights the seriousness of eating disorders among college populations. Having the EDNOS diagnosis is not something to take lightly but rather is an indication that this individual is struggling and in need of professional intervention.
With regards to diagnostic features, a variety of symptoms can be expressed. In one study, 13% of women with EDNOS showed severe restriction of their diet, which is characteristic of someone who is anorexic. The study showed a much higher rate of excessive exercise, occasional vomiting and occasional laxative use among women with EDNOS over those with a different diagnosis (Schwitzer, 2012). It was also found that these women are more likely to engage in binge eating, with 80% of EDNOS clients bingeing 1 to 3 times per month (Schwitzer, 2012).
Along with symptoms regarding reducing caloric intake, women with this diagnosis show serious cognitive and emotional symptoms. Many women develop an intense fear of gaining weight and becoming fat. When these women view their body negatively it has adverse affects on their self worth. As experienced personally, when you hold negative beliefs about yourself, it leads to further restriction or excessive exercise- the destructive cycle of eating disorders. The psycho- emotional symptoms involve: intense preoccupations with food- where one feels that food is controlling their life, fighting urges to consume food, and trying to ease the effects of the preoccupations on their mood, stress levels and their sense of self (Schwitzer, 2012).
Another concerning symptom related to EDNOS is the high occurrence of mood disorders. It was found that 40% of college-aged women in the United States with EDNOS had issues with moderate depression (Schwitzer, Rodriquez, et al., 2001). Of this sample, 14% reported periods of suicidal thoughts and 8% reported performing self-harming or suicidal behaviour.
These statistics indicate that a great number of college -aged women are using destructive methods to control their weight and resist their ‘unhealthy’ urges to consume more food. It is so important that educators of young children and adolescents instill the importance of treating your body with respect and nurturance. Without early intervention, disordered eating will enslave many more young women.
