The Woodlands Eating Disorders Center, PLLC*adapted from Michel & Willard, 2003
When an individual presents with symptoms of an eating disorder, but does not have all of the specific symptoms of either anorexia or bulimia, a diagnosis of Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified is made. Common examples include: someone who has all of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa but is not yet 15% below normal body weight or who has not yet2missed her period for 3 consecutive cycles, or a person who does not binge and/or purge as often as stipulated to meet the psychiatric definition of bulimia nervosa. Even though these individuals do not meet the formal diagnostic definitions of anorexia or bulimia, their disorders must be taken seriously. It is likely that an individual with these symptoms will progress into more severe eating disordered behavior if prompt professional intervention is not sought.