The most deadliest mental disorder

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, or EDNOS, is statistically the most deadliest mental disorder, and also the least known eating disorder. A person is diagnosed with EDNOS when they have the symptoms of an eating disorder but does not meet the full criteria of another eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. For example an individual may restrict their eating but has not lost enough weight for an anorexia diagnosis.

The risks of EDNOS is just as severe as other eating disorders. Restricting can result in low blood pressure, reduced heart rate, hormonal imbalance, bone weakening, and heart failure. Purging can cause dehydration, heart problems, and stomach rupture.

The reason why it is the most serious eating disorder is because it is taken less seriously by sufferers. Many do not feel it is a real eating disorder therefore do not understand that it is still a problem. These people are often too embarrassed to get help; they do not feel that they are “good enough” to be diagnosed with a “proper” eating disorder.

Getting the proper treatment is also a problem with EDNOS. Because the disorder varies so much it is hard to find a proper treatment plan. An individual with EDNOS will go through the same treatment as someone with anorexia or bulimia, but this treatment is less likely to work simply because their disorder is not the typical eating disorder.

EDNOS is a real disorder. Like any other eating disorder, it is serious. Let us take a look at the numbers. 24 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder. Half of that are Americans suffering from EDNOS. Of those 12 million, 624,000 sufferers will die from a complication of EDNOS. That is a horrible number especially because it is considered not as serious as other disorders. Things need to change. When it comes to education, EDNOS should be taught at the same degree as anorexia and bulimia. It should be understood that it is just as serious, and that there is help available, just as other eating disorders.