 Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)
A majority of those with eating disorders are classified as having
EDNOS - Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified.
EDNOS covers those who fail to meet all guidelines for eating disorders,
which means that they may not qualify for coverage for their illness.
For example:
- A person with anorexia who weights 87% of her ideal body weight
(IBW) technically has an EDNOS, because the guidelines say the
individual should weigh no more than 85% of IBW to be considered
anorexic.
- A woman who meets the weight criteria for anorexia, but still
has her period would be classified as having an EDNOS.
- A person with EDNOS who binges and purges once a week technically
has an EDNOS, because the guidelines say the individual should
binge and purge at least twice a week to be considered bulimic.
- A person with binge eating disorder (BED) who binges once a
week technically has an EDNOS, because the guidelines say the
individual should binge at least twice a week to be considered
bulimic.
- A person who combines symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, but
does not meet all of the medical criteria for either disease would
be classified as having an EDNOS.
Walden Behavioral Care advocates a broadening of guidelines so
that individuals who are classified as having an EDNOS can receive
the treatment they need.
Current guidelines give those with an EDNOS an incentive to get
worse, so they can receive coverage for their illness. It is difficult
for those with eating disorders to achieve recovery, but the earlier
treatment begins, the greater the probability of recovery.
Other Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)
While most people with eating disorders have anorexia, bulimia
or binge-eating disorder, but there are also other less common eating
disorders that are classified as EDNOS. These disorders include:
Pica
Pica is a compulsive craving for eating,
chewing or licking non-food items, such things as paint chips, chalk,
plaster, glue, rust, ice, coffee grounds or cigarette ashes. It
is sometimes linked to deficiencies of minerals, such as iron or
zinc. Pica can lead to medical conditions such as lead poisoning,
malnutrition, abdominal problems, intestinal obstruction, hypokalemia,
hyperkalemia, mercury poisoning, phosphorus intoxication and dental
ailments.
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Individuals with Prader-Willi
Syndrome, which is caused by a defect in the hypothalamus, have
an insatiable appetite. It can result in sleep disorders, rage,
compulsive behavior and even psychoses, Physical conditions may
include obesity, delayed motor development, abnormal growth, speech
impairments, stunted sexual development, poor muscle tone, dental
problems and diabetes type II.
Night Eating Syndrome
Those with night eating
syndrome typically eat little or nothing during the morning, but
binge during the evening. Resulting conditions may be the same as
for binge eating, with the addition of sleep disorders.
Bigorexia
Also known as muscle dysmorphia or
reverse anorexia, individuals with bigorexia worry that they are
too small and go to great lengths to increase their muscle mass.
The disorder is common among body builders, whose steroid use and
extreme high-protein diets can lead to kidney failure and other
ailments.
Medical Impact of EDNOS
Those with Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) suffer
the same symptoms as anyone else with eating disorders. The only
difference is that EDNOS sufferers may not qualify for insurance
coverage, because they fail to meet the guidelines for eating disorders.
Like those who meet the guidelines for anorexia, bulimia or binge
eating disorder, those with Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified
(EDNOS) are in danger of serious medical conditions, such as osteoporosis,
retarded growth, kidney problems, ulcers and heart failure. Like
other eating disorders, EDNOS can lead to death.
For additional information about the impact of EDNOS, see the information
on this Web site about anorexia,
bulimia and binge
eating disorder.
Signs of EDNOS
The signs of EDNOS vary, depending on the underlying eating disorder.
See the information on this Web site about anorexia,
bulimia and binge
eating disorder.
Helping Someone With EDNOS
If you suspect you or someone you know has EDNOS, do something
about it. EDNOS, like any eating disorder, is a life-threatening
disease. Seek professional counseling immediately.
For help, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.
|
