Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)

When people hear the term Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder, or ‘UFED’, they might struggle to differentiate it from other conditions such as EDNOS or OSFED. This is because all three of these disorders are closely linked, making them tricky to discern. However, it is important that we learn more about what UFED is so that we can identify this condition more clearly, either in ourselves or in other people.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses (DSM-5), UFED is a subcategory of eating disorders that do not meet the criteria for conditions like bulimia, anorexia and binge eating disorder. While those suffering from UFED can still exhibit similar behaviours to those with more common eating disorders, these symptoms will not fit so neatly into these categories. For example:

• An individual with UFED may display characteristics of anorexia, becoming extremely fearful of gaining weight and limiting their food intake. However, they may not be diagnosed with anorexia as their BMI is too low to meet these criteria.
• Another person with UFED could exhibit behaviours similar to bulimia, eating in excess to later eliminate the food from their bodies by purging. They might not be identified as having bulimia, however, as their purging is too infrequent to meet this diagnosis.

UFED will look a little different for everyone diagnosed with the disorder. Because of this, it can be especially difficult to spot the signs and symptoms, either in yourself or someone you love. However, there are some physical and psychological symptoms to look out for:

Physical signs

• Infrequent menstrual cycles
• Thinning hair
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fatigue
• Extreme weight gain or weight loss
• Strange rituals surrounding eating (e.g. not allowing certain foods to touch the plate.)
• Calluses on the backs of hands (from self-induced vomiting.)
• Compulsive exercising

Psychological symptoms associated with UFED include, but are not limited to:

• Poor body image
• Negative self-perception
• Experiencing guilt, shame, or anxiety when eating
• Desire to be isolated from loved ones when preparing to eat
• Irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating

If you have read the above signs and symptoms and feel that any of them resonate with you, this may indicate that you are struggling with UFED.

Unfortunately, many of those suffering from a condition like UFED often feel that there is no way to overcome their disorder, that this illness is one that they will have to battle for life. This is not the case, however, and with the right course of treatment and guidance from.

UFED is a complex behavioural addiction that typically requires a combination of different therapeutic methods to effectively target. Here at Banbury Lodge, we are experts in treating a range of weight and food-related disorders. Offering each of our clients varying treatments and activities, our facility is dedicated to supporting each resident in seeing the other side of their illness, once and for all.

A factor that makes Banbury Lodge such a unique and wonderful facility is that we are one of the only rehab treatment centres in the UK registered to treat alcoholism, drug addiction and eating disorders in young people aged sixteen to nineteen. This means that we are well-equipped to support younger clients in their unique recovery journeys, aware of their specific needs and modify our treatments in a way that will most effectively suit them.

Some of the treatments we offer in approaching UFED include, but are not limited to:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to challenge and work to change some of the negative thought patterns and unhealthy coping strategies that may have led your condition to manifest in the first place.
• Family therapy – To include your loved ones in your recovery journey, opening up a healthy dialogue with the family to help them understand more about UFED and how to help the rehabilitation process.
• Skills workshops – As a chance to build confidence and self-esteem, teaching you some essential knowledge about your condition and how to deal with triggers to relapse as and when they arise.
• Aftercare – To help ease the transition from rehab to everyday living once your time at Banbury Lodge comes to an end.

At Banbury Lodge, we understand just how frightening it can be to admit to others that you have a problem, looking for guidance in an unfamiliar setting with individuals that you do not know. However, we wish to assuage your fears by reminding you that our facility is a safe and welcoming space, surrounded by others encountering similar challenges, as well as support staff determined to help you see the other side of your illness. If you would like any more information about Banbury Lodge and what we can do for you, contact a member of our friendly admissions team right away. They will be able to answer any questions you might have.