Guide For Family and Friends of Loved Ones With OSFED

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Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

If you have a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with OSFED, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders, you may be puzzled or confused as to what this means or how you can best support someone you care for who is struggling with this. The name itself can seem overwhelming, but OFSED stands for a category of eating disorders that may not fit the typical criteria of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

Understanding What OSFED Includes

The category of OFSED includes the following eating disorders:

  • Atypical Anorexia Nervosa
  • Bulimia Nervosa or Lower Frequency
  • Binge Eating Disorder of Lower Frequency
  • Purging Disorder
  • Night Eating Syndrome

OSFED itself is a broader term used to categorize these eating disorders. It may be helpful to you to gain a better understanding of the specific feeding or eating issues your loved one may have rather than just the diagnoses of OSFED.

Consider speaking with your loved one about their concerns and the challenges they may be facing to learn more specific details. If appropriate, you may also consider becoming involved in various forms of treatment, such as family therapy or group sessions, to gain more insight into the eating concerns your loved one might have.

Learning How to Support Your Loved One

Receiving a diagnosis of OSFED can be overwhelming or confusing for your loved one as well, so offering your support can be helpful during this difficult time. Lending a listening and non-judgmental ear can also be a supportive way to show your loved one you care as they receive the necessary treatment they need for recovery.

Two ladies talking in gray areaIf you find yourself struggling with your own questions and concerns during this fragile time, be sure to reach out to your own support system, such as a close friend or family member, counselor, or therapist. It is never easy to see someone we love struggle, particularly if it is a disorder we feel we know little about or perhaps do not understand.

Take the time to do some research to educate yourself more on the subject – this can also be a helpful way to support someone you care for who is dealing with OSFED.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What do you think are some of the challenges loved ones of OFSED sufferers face?

Crystal Headshot 2About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on March 21, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com