A Very Prevalent and Undermined Disorder
Most of our society focuses on Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa as being legitimate eating disorders. This is unfortunate because of the prevalence of EDNOS. Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified contains characteristics of all of the eating disorders defined in the DSM manual yet, is not classified in the manual as an eating disorder. In the new DSM V, there will be more elaboration on this disorder as well as a diagnoses. " EDNOS is especially common among populations that have received less research attention, such as men, ethnic minority groups, aesthetically oriented athletes, young children, and the elderly" (Brownell, Thomas, Vartanian 408). How Do We Define This and Treat it? Not only is EDNOS more prevalent nowadays but, if affects certain groups that may not even have legitimate quality access to healthcare in order to treat their illness. This eating disorder is quite peculiar because of the fact that researchers are constantly arguing over the tier in which it should be placed in the DSM; because of the multitude of characteristics with EDNOS cases, it is hard to pinpoint just how one might diagnose it and then decide how severe it may be. "Some EDNOS patients’ symptoms diminish progressively over time,and some of their eating habits cease to be problematic. Whereas for other patients their difficulties with eating intensify and their diagnosis changes to Anorexia or Bulimia" (Guinzbourg 29). |
Minorities are More Susceptible
It has been in my own experience that EDNOS and bulimia share some common traits. A lot of the research that has been done on EDNOS as of late is arguable--especially when someone actually has the disorder. To my understanding, EDNOS is like taking bulimia, BED, and anorexia and putting it in a blender and there you have it. Unfortunately, a lot of researchers claim all of these differences between the various ED's yet, ignore the similarities. Additionally, not much research has been done on minority groups and men although, they are considered more affected by this EDNOS than many of eating disorders. There IS Treatment Available Moreover, because of the lack of information out there about EDNOS, researchers claim to have no treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helped me get past EDNOS so, these researchers obviously have not done enough research and field studies with those who have the disorder. In all of the research I have done on EDNOS for the purpose of visibility of it for this website, I'm hearing the same things "We do not have enough evidence or research to come up with treatments." To conclude, certain therapies have worked for not only myself but, also others who have suffered from this disorder. Perhaps after DSM V is published, researchers will recognize this treatment and through recognition of CBT will find other treatments like it to help those who suffer endlessly with EDNOS. |
|