What If I Don’t Meet the Criteria for an Eating Disorder?

Why support is still valid even without a diagnosis

One of the most common fears people acknowledge quietly is this:“What if I ask for help and I’m told there’s nothing wrong?”

This fear keeps many people stuck in distress for months or years, waiting until things feel “serious enough”. In reality, many people who seek support for eating difficulties do not meet full diagnostic criteria and still benefit significantly from help.

Diagnostic criteria are narrow by design

Eating disorder diagnostic criteria are designed for classification, not for measuring distress or need.

They are intentionally strict and often:

• Miss early or emerging difficulties

• Do not capture fluctuating patterns

• Fail to reflect neurodivergent presentations

• Overiffect people who are medically stable but psychologically distressed

This means many people experience real difficulty without fitting a defined category.

Not meeting criteria does not mean “nothing is wrong”

If you do not meet diagnostic criteria, it does not mean:

• You are exaggerating

• Your difficulties are not valid

• You should cope alone

• Things will resolve without support

It often means that what you are experiencing sits between categories or requires a different framework to understand.

Common situations where criteria are not met

People may not meet criteria if:

• Restriction is present but weight has not changed significantly

• Eating difficulties fluctuate rather than remain constant

• Anxiety, sensory issues, or control are primary drivers

• Compensatory behaviours are inconsistent

• Difficulties are early-stage or situational

These presentations are common, not exceptional.

Why early or subthreshold support matters

Eating difficulties often escalate gradually.

Without support, patterns may:

• Become more rigid

• Increase anxiety around food

• Reduce flexibility and spontaneity

• Affect mood, energy, and relationships

Support at this stage can prevent progression and reduce long-term impact.

What assessment focuses on instead of labels

When criteria are not met, assessment focuses on:

• What feels difficult or distressing

• What patterns are developing

• What factors may be maintaining them

• What support would reduce strain

This formulation-based approach is often more helpful than diagnosis alone.

For parents worried about a child

Parents often fear being told:

• “This is normal”

• “Come back if it gets worse”

A good assessment explores concerns carefully and explains why support may or may not be needed now, rather than dismissing them outright.

Understanding early patterns allows families to respond proportionately.

What support may look like without a diagnosis

Support without a diagnosis may include:

• Targeted therapy for anxiety, rigidity, or control

• Dietetic support focused on flexibility rather than weight

• Sensory-informed approaches

• Parent guidance and reassurance

• Monitoring with clear review points

Support is tailored to need, not diagnosis.

“Am I taking resources away from others?”

This is a common concern, particularly among people who minimise their own needs.

Seeking help early often:

• Reduces the need for intensive intervention later

• Prevents crisis-driven care

• Improves outcomes overall

Early support is responsible, not selfish.

How we approach this at The Eating Disorders Clinic

At The Eating Disorders Clinic:

• You do not need to meet diagnostic criteria to be supported

• Subthreshold and emerging difficulties are taken seriously

• Assessment focuses on understanding, not gatekeeping

• Recommendations are proportionate and collaborative

Our role is to help you make sense of what is happening and decide on appropriate next steps.

A gentle next step

If you are worried that your eating difficulties “don’t count” or are unsure whether help is appropriate, you are welcome to book a free initial call to talk things through.

You can also review our website before deciding on any assessment or support