The impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic and associated public health response on people with eating disorder symptomatology: an Australian study
This study investigates the association of the coronavirus pandemic with eating disorder (ED) symptomatology to measure impact and identify risk factors for clinical consideration. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated public health response, albeit necessary, was found to be associated with worsening of ED symptoms, increase in mental health illnesses and low treatment rates in populations with clinically significant symptoms. Some of the key influencing factors included changes in daily routine, lack of access to treatment and support, and exposure to news coverage and social media. Of particular concern was that over half of the participants were not receiving treatment for their symptoms and 40% had never sought or received a formal diagnosis. The findings from this study highlight the need for comprehensive mental health assessment and increased access to treatment across the health care system, especially for people with eating disorders, to help deal with the detrimental impacts of the pandemic on this illness group, especially for those not currently engaged in the health care system.
7 Feb, 2022