Eating disorders and COVID-19 - different or just more?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychiatry
• Child Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global rise in child mental health issues, with clinicians noting a surge in anorexia nervosa cases.
• Concerns were raised about potential increases in medical and psychological risks associated with these child eating disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the rates and clinical characteristics of child eating disorder presentations in the Republic of Ireland.
• To compare pre- and post-COVID-19 referral patterns and patient profiles across different clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart reviews were conducted in a community eating disorder service and two pediatric hospital settings.
• Data collection spanned from January 2016 to December 2022, following ethical approval.

Main Results:

• Referral rates for child eating disorders significantly increased post-COVID-19 in community services and both pediatric hospitals.
• Despite increased referrals, there was no significant change in the clinical profile or severity (ideal body weight percentage) of eating disorders.
• The duration of illness at referral was shorter in the post-COVID-19 period for community services.

Conclusions:

• The findings support a pandemic-related increase in eating disorder referrals to medical and psychiatric services for children.
• There was no evidence of a change in the clinical profile or severity of these eating disorders.
• Continuous monitoring of eating disorder referrals is essential for ensuring adequate service provision and expertise.