Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)
UFED is Australia’s most common eating disorder and is a serious, potentially life-threatening mental illness.
Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED) refers to disordered feeding or eating behaviour that causes clinically significant distress but which does not meet the full criteria for any of the other eating disorder categories. UFED has clinical features which closely resemble other eating disorders, or a combination of features of other disorders.
UFED is a category applied to eating disorder presentations in which there is insufficient information to make a more specific diagnosis (e.g., in emergency room settings).
This does not mean that UFED is any less serious than other eating disorders, rather, it is a combination of different symptoms that do not ‘fit’ within the traditional diagnostic box.
UFED is an eating disorder characterised by symptoms of a feeding and eating disorder, causing significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. These symptoms do not, however, meet the full criteria for any of the disorders in the feeding and eating disorders diagnostic class listed in the DSM-5. This does not mean the eating disorder is less serious or does not require clinical attention; all eating disorders are serious and worthy of support.
The two most common eating disorders in Australia are Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED) and Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED). In Australia, 34% of people with eating disorders have Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED) and 27% of people has OSFED.[1]
[1] Paying the Price 2024
A person may be diagnosed with UFED when there is insufficient information to make a more specific diagnosis e.g., in emergency room settings. UFED may be used to expedite care when a full diagnostic evaluation is not possible. UFED does not require the clinician to specify the reason that the criteria were not met for a specific feeding and eating disorder.
The categories of UFED and OSFED can be thought of a ‘catch-all’ terms which apply to distressing eating behaviour that does not meet the full criteria for the more well known diagnoses such as Binge Eating Disorder, Bulima Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa. However, this does not mean that UFED is any less serious than other eating disorders.
A person with UFED may experience many of the same symptoms as those diagnosed with specific eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder.
For example, a person diagnosed with UFED may engage in binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviours, but not with the same frequency and duration as a person diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, which requires binge eating and compensatory behaviours to occur, on average, at least once a week for 3 months. However, the behaviour is still severe and causes clinically significant distress.
As a result of the atypical nature of UFED, it is most effective to follow the treatments recommended for the eating disorder that most closely resembles the individual person’s eating problem.
For example, if a person presents with many but not all of the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa, it is recommended for that person to seek the same treatment approaches recommended for people with Anorexia Nervosa.
To find qualified eating disorder practitioners and healthcare professionals, search Butterfly’s Referral Database.
Recovery is possible
It is possible to recover from UFED, even if you have lived with the illness for a number of years. It is important to seek support from a health professional who is experienced in eating disorders.
Getting help
If you suspect that you or someone you know has UFED, it is important to seek help immediately. The earlier you seek help the closer you are to recovery. While your GP may not be a specialist in eating disorders, they are a good ‘first base’ and can refer you to a practitioner with specialised knowledge in health, nutrition and eating disorders.
For support, information, access to resources or referrals, you can also contact Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (8am-midnight, AEST, 7 days a week), email support@butterfly.org.au, or use our Helpline chat.
