Jet D Termorshuizen1,2, Hunna J Watson3,4,5, Laura M Thornton3, Stina Borg1, Rachael E Flatt3, Casey M MacDermod3, Lauren E Harper3, Eric F van Furth2,6, Christine M Peat3, Cynthia M Bulik1,3,7. 1. Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. 2. Rivierduinen Eating Disorders Ursula, Leiden, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. 4. School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. 5. School of Paediatrics, Division of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. 6. Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. 7. Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the early impact of COVID-19 on people with self-reported eating disorders. METHOD: Participants in the United States (US, N = 511) and the Netherlands (NL, N = 510), recruited through ongoing studies and social media, completed an online survey that included both quantitative measures and free-text responses assessing the impact of COVID-19 on situational circumstances, eating disorder symptoms, eating disorder treatment, and general well-being. RESULTS: Results revealed strong and wide-ranging effects on eating disorder concerns and illness behaviors that were consistent with eating disorder type. Participants with anorexia nervosa (US 62% of sample; NL 69%) reported increased restriction and fears about being able to find foods consistent with their meal plan. Individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder (US 30% of sample; NL 15%) reported increases in their binge-eating episodes and urges to binge. Respondents noted marked increases in anxiety since 2019 and reported greater concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health than physical health. Although many participants acknowledged and appreciated the transition to telehealth, limitations of this treatment modality for this population were raised. Individuals with past histories of eating disorders noted concerns about relapse related to COVID-19 circumstances. Encouragingly, respondents also noted positive effects including greater connection with family, more time for self-care, and motivation to recover. DISCUSSIONS: COVID-19 is associated with increased anxiety and poses specific disorder-related challenges for individuals with eating disorders that require attention by healthcare professionals and carers.
OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the early impact of COVID-19 on people with self-reported eating disorders. METHOD:Participants in the United States (US, N = 511) and the Netherlands (NL, N = 510), recruited through ongoing studies and social media, completed an online survey that included both quantitative measures and free-text responses assessing the impact of COVID-19 on situational circumstances, eating disorder symptoms, eating disorder treatment, and general well-being. RESULTS: Results revealed strong and wide-ranging effects on eating disorder concerns and illness behaviors that were consistent with eating disorder type. Participants with anorexia nervosa (US 62% of sample; NL 69%) reported increased restriction and fears about being able to find foods consistent with their meal plan. Individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder (US 30% of sample; NL 15%) reported increases in their binge-eating episodes and urges to binge. Respondents noted marked increases in anxiety since 2019 and reported greater concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health than physical health. Although many participants acknowledged and appreciated the transition to telehealth, limitations of this treatment modality for this population were raised. Individuals with past histories of eating disorders noted concerns about relapse related to COVID-19 circumstances. Encouragingly, respondents also noted positive effects including greater connection with family, more time for self-care, and motivation to recover. DISCUSSIONS: COVID-19 is associated with increased anxiety and poses specific disorder-related challenges for individuals with eating disorders that require attention by healthcare professionals and carers.
Authors: Christina Scharmer; Kimberly Martinez; Sasha Gorrell; Erin E Reilly; Joseph M Donahue; Drew A Anderson Journal: Int J Eat Disord Date: 2020-10-24 Impact factor: 4.861
Authors: Julia A Vitagliano; Grace Jhe; Carly E Milliren; Jessica A Lin; Rebecca Spigel; Melissa Freizinger; Elizabeth R Woods; Sara F Forman; Tracy K Richmond Journal: J Eat Disord Date: 2021-07-02