Diagnostic Changes in the DSM-V for Eating Disorders

Diagnostic Changes in the DSM-V for Eating Disorders Eating Disorders Print Diagnostic Changes for Eating Disorders in the DSM-V By Susan Cowden, MS facebook linkedin Susan Cowden is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a member of the Academy for Eating Disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Susan Cowden, MS Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 18, 2019 Tom M Johnson / Getty Images More in Eating Disorders Symptoms Treatment Diagnosis Awareness and Prevention Considered the bible of the psychiatric and mental health world, the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) sets the criteria needed to diagnose certain mental disorders. Diagnostic changes in new editions carry significant weight with mental health professionals, and with the release of the  fifth edition (DSM-V), criteria for eating disorders underwent major changes. In several cases, its now easier for clinicians to diagnose someone with an eating disorder compared to the earlier edition DSM-IV-TR, which was published in 2000 and had more finite definitions. Heres a brief synopsis of the changes in the DSM-V for diagnosing eating disorders. Binge-Eating Disorder For the first time, the DSM-V includes binge-eating disorder as a fully recognized and diagnosable disorder. The DSM-IV-TR had previously included binge-eating disorder as a provisional list of criteria “for research purposes.” Essentially, the previous edition had viewed binge-eating disorder as too new to decipher the appropriate criteria. Ideally, this change should provide more validity to those who are struggling with binge eatingâ€"in which people typically eat more quickly than normal, eat until theyre uncomfortably full, or eat alone out of shameâ€"and will hopefully provide them with more coverage and treatment options, as well. Diagnostic Criteria for Binge-Eating Disorder Anorexia Nervosa The DSM-V made two major changes to the way anorexia nervosaâ€"a condition associated with restricted food intake, fear of weight gain, and distorted body imageâ€"is diagnosed, broadening its definition: Bodyweight: In the DSM-IV-TR, a persons weight had to be at or under 85% of the ideal body weight (according to the body mass index, or BMI) to be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, thus excluding those who were suffering but hadn’t yet lost enough weight to be officially diagnosed. In the update, DSM-V qualifies diagnosis if the person has reached a “significantly low weight,” giving treatment professionals the autonomy to specify the severity of the disorder.Menstruation: Previously, women had to have three or more skipped periods to be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Now, teen girls and women no longer have to have lost their periods (a condition technically called amenorrhea). Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia nervosa is characterized by purging (self-inducing vomiting or using laxatives) or non-purging (fasting or excessive exercise) behaviors, and the DSM-Vs definition has changed in three significant ways: Frequency of behaviors: The DSM-V criteria for bulimia nervosa require binge eating and compensatory actions to occur for at least once a week for at least three months compared to the DSM-IV-TRs definition, which had a more narrow window of at least twice a week for at least three months.Categories: While the former edition listed separate classifications for the purging type of bulimia nervosa and the non-purging, these types are lumped together in the DSM-V, as clinicians now recognize that people with the disorder can engage in a variety of behaviors.Phases of recovery: Professionals can currently specify whether the person is in partial or full remission from the disorder, and how severe their disorder is based on the frequency of binge and purging episodes as well as how much the disorder affects day-to-day life. Diagnostic Criteria for Bulimia Nervosa Other Types of Feeding or Eating Disorders The DSM-V update also included two other forms of eating disorder: other specified feeding or eating disorder and unspecified feeding or eating disorder, which had been previously lumped together as eating disorderâ€"not otherwise specified in the DSM-IV-TR. Here are the ways they differ, according to the new edition: Other specified feeding or eating disorder: This term is more specific and applies primarily to people with some or most of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder but either haven’t lost enough weight, aren’t experiencing symptoms often enough, or haven’t been suffering long enough to qualify for a full diagnosis. It also includes purging disorder, which occurs when someone uses purging behaviors but does not engage in binge-eating behaviors (as in bulimia nervosa).Unspecified feeding or eating disorder: This broader category encompasses problems that don’t fit into any current category or when the diagnosing professional doesn’t have enough information (such as in an emergency room). Diagnostic Criteria Is a Work in Progress Its important to note that the DSM is always, and always has been, a work in progress. There continue to be debates and disagreements among professionals about even the most current diagnostic criteria. However, the definitions included in the DSM do provide researchers and clinicians with a language for talking about and describing sets of symptoms many people are struggling with and that need treatment. A Word From Verywell Eating disorders can be a complicated, emotional journey for both the person living with the disorder as well as their family and loved ones. While recovery can be a physical and mental struggle, it is possible. If you or someone you know is experiencing some or all of the symptoms of any eating disorder, please consult with a physician, dietitian, or mental health professional for assessment and treatment. 9 Essential Facts About Eating Disorders