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Deconstructing “Atypical” Eating Disorders: an Overview of Emerging Eating Disorder Phenotypes

  • Eating Disorders (C Grilo, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Recent changes to the diagnostic framework of eating disorders (ED’s) in DSM-5 were introduced to reduce the large preponderance of cases falling within the residual and undifferentiated category. However, current reports continue to illustrate overrepresentation of cases in this residual category, suggesting that clinical reality comprises more diverse ED psychopathology than is accounted for in the current diagnostic spectrum. However, with emerging evidence preliminarily delineating several additional distinct phenotypes, we aim to provide a narrative overview of emerging ED phenotypes which (i) are not currently located as a specific diagnostic category in diagnostic criteria for ED’s, (ii) centrally feature ED psychopathology, and (iii) have emerging empirical evidence suggesting the distinct nature of the syndrome. A greater awareness of these emerging phenotypes will likely facilitate accurate diagnostic practice and may also serve to facilitate further empirical efforts.

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Stuart B. Murray and Leslie K. Anderson declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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  1. Eating Disorders Treatment & Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 310, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA

    Stuart B. Murray & Leslie K. Anderson

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Correspondence to Stuart B. Murray.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Eating Disorders

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Murray, S.B., Anderson, L.K. Deconstructing “Atypical” Eating Disorders: an Overview of Emerging Eating Disorder Phenotypes. Curr Psychiatry Rep 17, 86 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0624-7

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