Exploring the COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on eating disorders: insights from an Italian residential center

Frontiers in Psychology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16

Published: March 26, 2025

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global mental health, exacerbating the prevalence and severity of Eating Disorders (EDs). This study evaluates changes in presentation EDs before after at Regional Residential Center “Mariconda” Salerno. Methods retrospective cohort analyzed records from 162 patients admitted to center between December 2018 2023. onset restrictions mid-2020 divided subjects into pre-COVID COVID groups. Data collected included age, gender, education level, previous hospital admissions, admission diagnoses, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity with other psychiatric conditions. Results Among subjects, 115 (71%) were during period. group was younger (mean age: 18.3 vs. 20.6 years, p = 0.009), had lower educational attainment (67% 49% below secondary school diploma, 0.025), a higher rate prior hospitalizations (49% 26%, 0.007), demonstrated severe comorbidities illnesses (94% 82%, 0.009) compared cohort. No significant differences observed gender distribution, initial diagnoses upon admission, or average length stay. Conclusion findings indicate that intensified EDs, particularly among individuals backgrounds. underscores urgent need for targeted, integrated treatment approaches context crises, including development strategies address increased comorbid conditions frequency readmissions this study. These results highlight necessity reinforcing multidisciplinary care models integrate medical, psychological, social support heightened complexity post-pandemic ED cases ensure more effective, long-term outcomes. Future research is essential explore effects on as well refine better those affected.

Language: Английский

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Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on the Incidence of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa in Dutch Primary Care

International Journal of Eating Disorders, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 26, 2025

This study examined the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on incidence rates anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia (BN) in Dutch primary care by comparing pre-pandemic (2015-2019) in-pandemic (2020-2022) periods. We hypothesized that AN BN would increase during pandemic. retrospective cohort used data from general practitioners' electronic health records Nivel Primary Care Database, representing ~0.8% population. Incident cases were identified using DSM-5 criteria. Incidence (IR) per 100,000 person-years calculated compared rate ratios (IRRs). Overall did not significantly (AN: IRR = 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-1.8; BN: 0.9, 0.5-1.8). Non-significant increases observed among females overall (+29%, 1.3, 0.9-2.0) 10- to 14-year-old (+28%, 0.4-3.7). The decreased aged 20-24 years 53.8 10.7 (IRR 0.2, 0.0-0.9). Contrary our hypothesis, we find increased non-significantly 29%. previously rising trend 1985-2019 have a significant sequel into era, although it 28%. remained stable young adult females.

Language: Английский

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The Psychological and Medical Landscape of Anorexia Nervosa over a Decade: A Retrospective Study of Possible Physical and Psychological Shifts

Journal of Clinical Medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 12(23), P. 7294 - 7294

Published: Nov. 24, 2023

In recent years, the definition, clinical characteristics, and psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa (AN) have undergone notable changes, influenced by various factors such as biology, psychology, environment. The COVID-19 pandemic is one external factor that has been preliminarily identified affecting presentation AN. This study specifically aims to assess alterations in medical features observed individuals with AN during pandemic. a retrospective case review 252 people diagnosed from two different cohorts: 2010-2012 2021. A comparison data was conducted identify specific differences initial evaluation. Additionally, effects on age cohorts were assessed, focus distinctions between adolescents adults. Results revealed cohort had higher number new cases, patients being younger experiencing more severe symptoms. Hospitalization rates upon first access also elevated, but no significant values observed. Adolescents showed increased episodes binge eating, decreased obsessive-compulsive symptoms, greater difficulty interoceptive awareness. reveals distinct symptomatology among patients, particular characteristics impulsive behaviors These behavioral changes could potential considerations treatment pathway. Further investigations are warranted gain deeper understanding evolving after

Language: Английский

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The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder features and comorbid psychopathology among adolescents with anorexia nervosa and matched controls: a comparative cohort design study

Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 29(1)

Published: Feb. 12, 2024

Abstract Purpose To examine implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder (ED) features and psychopathology in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). Method In total 79 females first-onset AN (aged 12–22 years) were included followed up across a period 1 year. We assessed participants recruited pre-pandemic ( n = 49) to those peri-pandemic 30). Pre- 37) 38) age-, education-matched typically developing (TD) girls 75) used as reference cohort. ED at baseline. After year follow-up association between timing clinical course was assessed. Analyses covariance differences psychopathology. Results Peri-pandemic experienced less symptoms baseline compared participants. particular, they dissatisfied their body shape, interpersonal insecurity. addition, group met fewer DSM-IV criteria for comorbid disorders, especially anxiety disorders. contrast, had smaller BMI increase over time. TD girls, there no pre- group. Conclusion Overall, severely ill, participants, which may be explained by social pressure peer contact, more protective parenting style during pandemic. Conversely, favorable course, reduced access health care facilities Level evidence III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.

Language: Английский

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Editorial: COVID-19 and eating disorders 2023: lessons learnt and future directions for research

Frontiers in Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15

Published: July 5, 2024

Keywords: eating disorder, health care, COVID - 19, pandemic, qualitative study, weight disorders, therapeutic alliance

Language: Английский

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on administrative eating disorder prevalence in the outpatient sector and on severity of anorexia nervosa

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 20, 2024

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have had a considerable impact on the mental health of children and adolescents, particularly regarding eating disorders. However, it remains unclear whether affected only frequency or also severity We examined potential pandemic-related changes in administrative prevalence disorders outpatient sector compared with other using German statutory insurance data for age group 10 16 years. disorder anorexia nervosa from multicenter Registry Children Adolescents Anorexia Nervosa same group. Our results showed marked increase (based documented diagnoses) among girls but not boys. A similar pattern was found internalizing disorders, whereas prevalences externalizing decreased. Regarding inpatients, we no body mass index standard deviation score at admission, weight loss before psychiatric comorbidities psychopharmacological medication. Given sector, lack inpatient may be partly due shift healthcare utilization towards services during pandemic. Thus, higher number adolescents requiring specialized timely care major concern under conditions.

Language: Английский

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Eating disorder debut cases during COVID‐19 lockdown in adults. Exploring differences in treatment outcome contrasting with pre‐pandemic onset cases

European Eating Disorders Review, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 23, 2024

Abstract Objective Despite an increase in eating disorder (ED) cases during the COVID‐19 pandemic, there are limited longitudinal studies exploring treatment outcomes. The aims of present study were: (1) to compare clinical features patients with EDs whose onset was lockdown (pandemic cohort) against prior pandemic (pre‐pandemic and, (2) therapy responses between cohorts. Method sample consisted 115 adult women ED. N = 37 new ED were diagnosed and included (May 2020–May 2021); these did not have any previous history We also 78 breakout (prior March 2020). All subtypes considered both groups several variables assessed. Results At baseline, cohort reported lower levels impulsivity higher emotional regulation capacities than pre‐pandemic cohort; however, no differences found aspects general psychopathology related severity. Following treatment, showed rates good outcome dropouts cohort. Conclusions Although cohorts similar ED‐related symptoms scores, outcomes more favourable

Language: Английский

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Demographic and clinical characteristics of rural, regional, and metropolitan inpatients during psychiatric inpatient eating disorders treatment

Australasian Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 5, 2024

Objective Eating disorders were previously considered less common in rural/regional areas. However, emerging research suggests that eating may be more prevalent these populations than initially recognized. We aimed to describe demographic/clinical characteristics of metropolitan compared inpatients during psychiatric inpatient disorder treatment at the Disorders Unit (EDU), Austin Health Melbourne, Australia. Methods Retrospective review patient files was undertaken for aged 18–65 years who resided within Body Image & Treatment Recovery Service (BETRS) catchment area and admitted EDU between 01/01/21 30/10/23. Results Regional/rural patients on average 2.7 older first diagnosed 3.5 later inpatients. These groups showed otherwise similar relation psychiatric/medical history. Conclusion Available accessible speciality services rural regional areas are needed early detection, prevention, multidisciplinary management.

Language: Английский

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