What is the DSM IV Diagnostic Criteria for EDNOS?

The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Volume 4) provides guidelines and criteria for mental disorders. In terms of eating disorders the DSM-IV provides diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia and EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified). It is important to remember that someone can still have an eating disorder or body image issues and not meet the diagnostic criteria.

The Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified category is for disorders of eating that do not meet the criteria for any specific Eating Disorder. Examples include:

1 For females, all the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa are met except that the individual has regular menses.

2 All the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa are met except that, despite significant weight loss, the individual’s current weight is in the normal range.

3 All the criteria for Bulimia Nervosa are met except that the binge eating and inappropriate compensatory mechanisms occur at a frequency of less than twice a week or for a duration of less than 3 months.

4 The regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviour by an individual of normal body weight after eating small amounts of food (e.g. self-induced vomiting after the consumption of two biscuits.

5 Repeatedly chewing and spitting out, but not swallowing, large amounts of food. 6 Binge-eating disorder: recurrent episodes of binge eating in the absence of the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviours characteristic of Bulimia Nervosa.

References:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed.) United States of America: American Psychiatric Association.