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Early impact of COVID ‐19 on individuals with self‐reported eating disorders: A survey of ~1,000 individuals in the United States and the Netherlands
Author(s) -
Termorshuizen Jet D.,
Watson Hunna J.,
Thornton Laura M.,
Borg Stina,
Flatt Rachael E.,
MacDermod Casey M.,
Harper Lauren E.,
Furth Eric F.,
Peat Christine M.,
Bulik Cynthia M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.23353
Subject(s) - bulimia nervosa , eating disorders , binge eating disorder , psychiatry , anorexia nervosa , psychology , anxiety , disordered eating , binge eating , population , clinical psychology , mental health , medicine , environmental health
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.