FAQs Archive - First Steps ED

Q: Do I have an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a complex mental health condition which can affect anyone, no matter what their age, gender, ethnicity or background. There is no single cause of an eating disorder and symptoms can vary between people and type of eating disorder. Disordered eating can take many different forms. Many people will be diagnosed with “other specified feeding or eating disorder” (OSFED), which means that their symptoms don’t exactly match what doctors check for to diagnose binge eating disorder, anorexia, or bulimia, but doesn’t mean that it’s not still very serious. You can read more about this, as well as other signs, symptoms and disorders on our ' Disorders and Symptoms ' page. You can also speak to our team using our contact page , or make a referral here .

Q: What is Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)?

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) may present with many of the symptoms of other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder but will not meet the full criteria for diagnosis of these disorders. As with any eating disorder, this can affect anyone of any age, gender or background. This is a common diagnosis and accounts for the highest percentage of eating disorders and is as serious as other eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder (BED). Support is available and you can make a referral today via our referrals page . To learn more about OSFED or other disorders and symptoms, please click here.

Q: Someone has told me they think they have an eating disorder, what should I do?

If you’re worried about a family member or friend and think they might have an eating disorder, or they have come to you to tell you are struggling, know that eating disorders are treatable. Full recovery is possible and if the person has come to you already it suggests they are looking for support and would like to get better. Your loved one has a much higher chance of full recovery if they can get help as soon as possible so encourage them to make an appointment with their GP (you could offer to help them make the appointment and go with them so they are not alone.) Beat have a really useful resource on their website that intends to help people with eating disorders get a referral to a specialist from their GP - find it here ! It is important not to blame yourself as this is not what your loved one needs right now. Try to be understanding and listen to what they have to tell you. Make sure they know you're available and ask what you can do to help them find support and get better.

Q: Pellentesque finibus viverra lectus vitae cursus.

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Q: Etiam porttitor lacus eu mi rhoncu tincidunt dui.

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Q: Sed eu erat ac ligula tristique ullamcorper quam.

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Q: Morbi in congue felis, a vulputate magna.

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Q: Duis non dui vitae risus consequat vestibulum.

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Q: Quisque condimentum interdum purus tempus.

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