EDNOS
There is a classification of disordered eating that falls outside of the criteria for Anorexia, Binge Eating and Bulimia. This category is referred to as "EDNOS", or "Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified." These are also sometimes referred to as 'sub-clinical' or 'sub-threshold' disorders.
Persons struggling with EDNOS can range from 'less-extreme' behaviors like common dieting, frequent concern about body size, and/or occasional overeating, to more extreme behaviors including frequent purging, obsessive dieting, obsessive exercising and more.
Just because a person doesn't fit the criteria for anorexia or bulimia does not mean they don't have an eating disorder requiring attention. And don't be fooled by appearances; most disordered eaters are normal weight or overweight, not skinny. But they can still struggle as seriously as an anorexic or underweight bulimic.
In fact, many who struggle in the EDNOS category are at risk for the same dangers as those who meet criteria for other disorders, including the risk of heart attacks, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even death.
REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU FALL ON THE EATING CONTINUUM, if your motivations regarding food and exercise are based on 'psychic' rather than 'physical' needs, you need to know that your struggle is important, and worthy of seeking out appropriate medical and/or therapeutic assistance.
Because of the wide range of eating behaviors that exist outside of anorexia, bulimia and now binge eating disorder (which is becoming more formally recognized by the professional community), EDNOS does not have a comprehensive list of technical criteria at this time. However, the DSM-IV does provide some parameters/examples, as listed below:
1. All of the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa are met except the individual has regular menses (periods).
2. All of the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa re met except that, despite substantial weight loss, the individual's current weight is in normal range.
3. All of the criteria for Bulimi Nervosa are met except binges occur at a frequency of less than twice a week or for a duration of less than 3 months.
4. An individual of normal body weight who regularly engages in inappropriate compensatory behavior after eating small amounts of food (eg, self-induced vomiting after the consumption of two cookies). 5. An individual who repeatedly chews and spits out, but does not swallow, large amounts of food.
6. Binge Eating disorder; recurrent episodes of binge eating in the absence of the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors characteristic of bulimia nervosa.
Based on the limited technical criteria above, following are some additional examples of the behaviors associated with persons struggling with EDNOS. (Please note: this is by no means a comprehensive listing).
1. You're always on a diet, always coming off a diet, or always getting ready to go on one again (chronic dieting).
2. You categorize foods as 'safe' and 'off limits', but weigh within normal ranges and are not participating in bulimia.
3. You starve yourself regularly, but are not significantly underweight (i.e. less than 85% ideal weight)
4. You eliminate entire food groups from your diet (yes, that includes carbs!).
5. You are obsessed with exercising but eat fairly regularly.
6. You binge and/or purge, but not more than once a week.
7. You substitute supplements and fad diets for real food, but weigh within normal ranges.
8. You skip social occasions because you feel fat, or because you are afraid of what's being served, yet your weight is normal.
9. You are obsessed with eating only organic, natural or raw foods (orthorexia).
10 You believe that everyone is as focused on your weight as you are.
11. You refuse to eat regular meals, choosing instead to 'nibble' throughout the day on small portions of food (which usually leads to bingeing).