Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
WHAT IS OSFED?
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are diagnosed when a certain number of behavioural, physical or cognitive symptoms occur over a certain amount of the time. However, often a person’s symptoms do not exactly match any of these diagnoses - and this is when they may be given the diagnosis “other specified feeding or eating disorder” (OSFED).
OSFED is not just about the eating behaviours, but about the thoughts and feelings underlying them, with the eating disorder often being used as a way of managing them. OSFED is every bit as serious as AN, BN or BED, and people suffering from OSFED are equally deserving of and in need of treatment. In fact, the majority of people with eating disorders meet the diagnostic criteria for OSFED.
Examples of OSFED include
symptoms of anorexia nervosa but with a “normal” body weight
bingeing and/or purging, when the frequency does not meet the diagnostic criteria for BN or BED
purging after eating “normal” meals to control shape/ weight
repeatedly waking and eating at night
TREATMENT FOR OSFED
NICE Guidelines recommend that when OSFED is more restrictive in nature, treatment guidelines for AN are followed, and that when OSFED involves more bingeing and/or purging, treatment guidelines for BN are followed.
CBT has a strong evidence base in the treatment of eating disorders (both anorexia and bulimia) and as such it is usually also recommended for OSFED. CBT helps individuals to recognise their unhelpful or negative thinking, see the patterns in their behaviours and develop healthy strategies and skills to challenge or cope with these. CBT is a structured skills based therapy that is most suitable for people who want to be guided by their therapist to find new ways of coping. People with OSFED can also be supported in developing a more balanced, healthy eating plan by a dietitian, helping them to break previous habits. This can be done in conjunction with psychological input or with a series of dietetic consultations alone.
Where eating difficulties are the result of a food phobia, or are present due to feared consequences of eating in a different way, individuals may benefit from CBT with exposure and response prevention. Within this, a psychologist can support you to gradually change your eating habits in order to evaluate the accuracy of feared consequences. This can usually be done in just a few sessions, freeing individuals quickly from the rigidity of their previous eating habits.
Specialist Team
The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:
Psychiatrists
Clinical Psychologists
Counselling Psychologists
Trainee Psychologists
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Family/Couple Therapists
Diverse Treatment Options
The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations.Personalised Care
At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs.Testimonials
How it works
Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our treatment is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.
Step 1
Contact Us
Before making an appointment you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.Step 2
Assessment
Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician.Step 3
First Session
Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.Featured
FAQs
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The fees do vary depending on, which clinician you see. For a full summary of our fees, what health insurance company policies we accept, and details about making payments please click the link. (https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/fees)
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Our Team PA, Kerry, is available to answer any questions you may have prior to booking an assessment. If you would like to discuss treatment options or have a general conversation prior to booking, you are able to schedule a call with Mini Jones, our Clinic Lead who is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns. For further information, or to request a call back, please click the link provided to get in touch via email, phone, or through our online contact form.(https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/book-an-appointment)
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It is important to note that we do have a 24 hour cancellation policy on all booked appointments. Any cancellations received within 24 hours remain fully charged.
We request payment for an initial assessment appointment in advance of your appointment, which you can make over the phone using a debit or credit card or via the secure payment link sent to you with your invoice. For any further treatment sessions, and unless covered by private health insurance, we will invoice you sessionally which is payable upon receipt, however, we offer a maximum 30-day period in order to receive payment.
All appointment reminders will be sent to you via our client management system ‘Cliniko’ - notifications@cliniko.com please do add this email address to your inbox contacts to ensure all communications are received promptly. -
Therapy is most effective when a series of appointments tailored to your individual requirements can be established. The NICE guidelines are between 20-40 appointments but we are guided by our clients depending on their needs, preference, and motivation to adopt change. We will always remain flexible to accommodate your preferences.