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Exploring carer burden amongst those caring for a child or adolescent with an eating disorder during COVID-19

Kristen Maunder1,2, Fiona McNicholas3,4,5

  • 1School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Republic of Ireland. kmaunder@me.com.

Journal of Eating Disorders
|October 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Caring for youth with an eating disorder (ED) is challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified carer burden due to reduced services, increased demands, and social isolation, necessitating targeted support.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Family Studies
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Carer burden in families of youth with eating disorders (EDs) is significant, impacting patients, carers, and families.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges for carers of youth with EDs, with emerging research highlighting profound negative effects.
  • Pre-pandemic studies indicate substantial psychological and physical strain on carers of children with EDs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing knowledge on carer burden in families of youth with EDs.
  • To examine the additional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on carer burden.
  • To emphasize the critical need for interventions to alleviate carer burden.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review of existing literature on carer burden in youth with EDs.
  • It synthesizes pre-COVID-19 research findings.
  • It analyzes emerging themes related to the pandemic's impact on carer burden.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 has intensified carer burden through reduced access to ED services.
  • Increased vulnerability, psychiatric comorbidities in youth, and practical demands on carers are key factors.
  • Social isolation and decreased social support further compound carer challenges during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presents a distinct mental health risk for youth with EDs and their carers.
  • Addressing carer burden is crucial due to the vital role families play in treatment.
  • Adaptive, flexible support services are essential for carers throughout the treatment journey, considering logistical and health barriers.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19Carer burdenCarersChildren and adolescentsEating disorders

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