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Exploring the ways in which COVID ‐19 and lockdown has affected the lives of adult patients with anorexia nervosa and their carers
Author(s) -
Clark Bryan Danielle,
Macdonald Pamela,
Ambwani Suman,
Cardi Valentina,
Rowlands Katie,
Willmott Daniel,
Treasure Janet
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.2762
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , thematic analysis , distress , covid-19 , eating disorders , pandemic , anorexia , qualitative research , psychology , psychiatry , medicine , government (linguistics) , bulimia nervosa , clinical psychology , disease , social science , linguistics , philosophy , pathology , sociology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Abstract Objective This qualitative study explores the ways in which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and associated lockdown measures have affected the lives of adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their carers. Method Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with patients with AN ( n = 21) and carers ( n = 28) from the start of UK Government imposed lockdown. Data related directly to the impact of lockdown and COVID‐19 were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four broad themes were identified for patients and carers separately. Patients experienced: 1. reduced access to eating disorder (ED) services; 2. disruption to routine and activities in the community; 3. heightened psychological distress and ED symptoms; 4. increased attempts at self‐management in recovery. Carer themes included: 1. concern over provision of professional support for patients; 2. increased practical demands placed on carers in lockdown; 3. managing new challenges around patient wellbeing; 4. new opportunities. Conclusions Reduced access to ED services, loss of routine and heightened anxieties and ED symptoms resulting from COVID‐19 and lockdown measures presented challenges for patients and carers. Increased remote support by ED services enabled the continuation of treatment and self‐management resources and strategies promoted self‐efficacy in both groups.