Besides anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder there are also other eating disorders that are considered to be rare.

Compulsive Eating

Sometimes referred to as ‘comfort eating.’ To some degree everyone comfort eats but someone who compulsively eats does this consistently as a way of filling a hole inside, stuffing down emotional problems and dealing with daily stresses. Compulsive eaters tend – but not always -  to be overweight and feel terrible shame about their behaviour and also the effect it has or could have on their body size.

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

Individuals who clearly have symptoms of disordered eating, but do not fit the diagnostic criteria for anorexia or bulimia. EDNOS could mean many things: it may mean that someone has the symptoms of anorexia but maintain the weight of a ‘healthy’ person; they purge but do not binge eat; they have the symptoms’ of bulimia but have less than twice binge/purges per week. Sometimes, it might be that they have a mixture of anorexia and bulimia. Binge Eating Disorder is typically diagnosed as EDNOS as it is currently not a medically diagnosable illness in its own right.

Orthorexia

Those with Orthorexia will be fixated on eating food they deem as healthy and 'pure'. Unlike anorexia, people who are orthorexic are concerned with the quality not quantity of food. Most foods they eat will be organic and will avoid foods that are processed and high in sugar and fats. Whilst this may not be the most damaging of eating disorder, the obsession with food can take over a sufferers life. In some instances, orthorexia can be the precursor to anorexia.

Night Eating Disorder

This has recently been recognised as a possible new form of eating disorder. It involves eating the majority of food late at night, or waking from sleep to eat. Often people with this problem will fast during the day. 

Pica

This is a form of obsessive compulsive disorder when someone has a craving for licking items that have no nutritional value such as chalk, plaster, paint, soda, starch, glue, rust, coffee grounds and cigarette ashes. It has been suggested it may be associated with mineral deficiencies (like iron or zinc) or other psychological problems. Side effects could include lead poisoning, malnutrition, abdominal problems, intestinal obstruction, dental problems and death in more severe circumstances.

Prade-Willi Syndrome

This is a complex disorder that is present from birth. People with this syndrome have an insatiable appetite because of a defect that means they never feel full. There are number of physical problems associated, some of which include delayed motor development, abnormal growth, dental problems, obesity and diabetes.

Sleep Eating Disorder

People with SED-NOS will binge on foods, usually at large quantities, during the night when sleep walking. They mostly do not remember the binges and is usually brought on when anxious, stressed or angry.

Please note: The eating disorders listed here are all considered to be relatively new but are not as yet diagnosable illnesses due to little awareness and understanding of these conditions. It is likely such disorders mentioned will be classified as EDNOS. If you think you may have any of these conditions it is still important you get help from a professional.