While many people fit into commonly known categories of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, there is another one that affects up to six percent of the population. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) defines people who otherwise do not qualify as having another type of eating disorder. While some may find it easy to think this type of eating disorder is not as serious as others, it actually proves to be dangerous and potentially deadly. For this reason, a man or a woman battling this eating disorder requires OSFED eating disorder treatment that includes an individually tailored approach to address the unique needs of those who are struggling with this eating disorder.
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What is Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)?
Someone who does not meet the diagnostic criteria for any other eating disorder is considered to have OSFED. Previously known as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), the name was changed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in 2013.
There are five categories that fall under the umbrella of OSFED. These include:
Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: All diagnostic criteria for anorexia are met with the exception of substantial weight loss or low body weight. However, with atypical anorexia, the person’s weight is within or above a healthy weight range.
Binge Eating Disorder (of low frequency and/or limited duration): All diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder are met with the exception of the number of times the person uses behaviors. They binge eat less often, typically less than once a week, or for a total time of fewer than three months.
Bulimia Nervosa (of low frequency and/or limited duration): All diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa are met with the exception of the number of times the person uses behaviors. They binge and purge less often, typically less than once a week, or for a total time of fewer than three months.
Purging Disorder: The recurrent usage of purging behaviors, including self-induced vomiting, and using laxatives and diuretics, in order to alter a person’s body shape or weight without also engaging in binge eating.
Night Eating Syndrome: This includes recurrent episodes of eating at night. The individual either consumes an excessive amount of food after dinner or wakes up after going to sleep and eats a large amount of food. The behaviors do not fall under the heading of binge eating disorder.
What to Expect at an OSFED Eating Disorder Treatment Center
During residential treatment for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) in Los Angeles, there are several key aspects to expect:
Comprehensive Assessment: Upon admission, you will undergo a thorough assessment to determine your specific needs and develop an individualized treatment plan. This assessment may include medical, psychiatric, and nutritional evaluations.
Structured Daily Routine: Residential treatment involves a structured daily schedule that includes therapeutic activities, group therapy sessions, individual counseling, nutritional support, and supervised meals. This structured environment aims to provide stability and support for your recovery.
Multidisciplinary Approach: You will receive care from a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including therapists, dietitians, medical doctors, nurses, and mental health workers. They will work collaboratively to address various aspects of your eating disorder and provide comprehensive treatment.
Evidence-Based Therapies: Treatment will involve evidence-based therapies tailored to your specific needs. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), body image therapy, nutritional counseling, and other therapeutic modalities.
Meal Support: Residential treatment typically includes structured meal support to help you develop a healthier relationship with food. This may involve meal planning, supervised meals, and assistance in addressing any fears or challenges related to eating.
Psychoeducation and Skill-Building: You will receive psychoeducation about eating disorders, body image, and related topics to increase your understanding and equip you with coping strategies and life skills necessary for sustained recovery.
Family Involvement: Family involvement is often an integral part of residential treatment. Family therapy sessions and education programs may be offered to help your loved ones understand the challenges you are facing and learn ways to support your recovery.
Aftercare Planning: As your treatment progresses, the focus will shift towards preparing for a successful transition back to your daily life. The treatment team will work with you to develop an aftercare plan, which may include outpatient therapy, support groups, and ongoing follow-up care.
It’s important to note that each residential treatment program may have its own specific approach and offerings. The details of your treatment will be discussed with you by the treatment team to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect during your specific OSFED residential treatment in Los Angeles, California.
Types of Therapy at our OSFED Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Eating disorder-trained professionals who understand how to work with a diverse population, can provide a multi-disciplinary approach to overcoming OSFED. Common transdiagnostic approaches to this include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The goals of both types of therapy include helping men and women learn to recognize their own distorted thinking patterns and emotional reactions and how those can trigger eating disorder behaviors. From there, they can learn to make peace with their thoughts and reactions, develop positive ones, and problem-solve in a healthy way when triggers occur.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) can help people with OSFED become comfortable with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping or ordering food at restaurants. A therapist leads a group of patients on outings to places like restaurants and stores to help teach them a new relationship with food and how they interact with it.
Proper OSFED eating disorder treatment for men and women should include family-focused therapy and communication. This allows the family to understand the challenges their loved ones face and come together to help them heal.
Benefits of Receiving Treatment for OSFED Eating Disorder
One of the main benefits of receiving professional OSFED eating disorder treatment involves being able to take advantage of several eating disorder-trained professionals who know how to use compassion and wisdom in communicating with men and women. The treatment professionals include:
- Therapists
- Psychiatrists
- MD
- Nurses (RN and LVN)
- Registered Dietitians (RD)
- Chefs
- Mental Health Workers
When people attend treatment together in a residential setting, they can also benefit from peer support. Each person in treatment understands the challenges of being a person trying to cope with an eating disorder. This helps them build bonds with one another and offer and receive support as they learn to recover.
Additionally, treatment for OSFED includes helping each person redefine their relationships with their body, clothing size, and how they move around in the world. It helps take the focus off an image-obsessed society and allows the person to reimagine having a healthy relationship with food.
Begin Treatment for OSFED Eating Disorder in Los Angeles, CA
When someone you love struggles with an eating disorder but you don’t know what name to put to it, it can cause a delay in seeking appropriate treatment. Trellis Recovery Centers in Los Angeles understands the complex nature of Other Specified Feeding Or Eating Disorder and employs eating disorder-trained professionals who understand how to treat men and women. Our multi-disciplinary treatment targets teaching individuals to relearn relationships with food and their bodies. We provide family-focused care designed to protect and nurture your loved one while they heal.
If you would like more information about our OSFED eating disorder treatment, contact us today.
