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. 2021 Oct;69(4):660-663.
doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.05.019. Epub 2021 Jul 12.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Number of Adolescents/Young Adults Seeking Eating Disorder-Related Care

Jessica A Lin  1 , Sydney M Hartman-Munick  2 , Meredith R Kells  3 , Carly E Milliren  4 , Wallis A Slater  5 , Elizabeth R Woods  2 , Sara F Forman  2 , Tracy K Richmond  2
Affiliations

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Number of Adolescents/Young Adults Seeking Eating Disorder-Related Care

Jessica A Lin et al. J Adolesc Health. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development and worsening of eating disorder (ED) symptoms in adolescents and young adults. In order to examine COVID-19-related trends in ED care-seeking at our institution.

Methods: We used interrupted time series regression to examine pre- and postpandemic monthly summary data of the following: (1) ED-related inpatient admissions for medical stabilization; (2) ED-related hospital bed-days; (3) completed outpatient ED assessments; and (4) ED outpatient care-related inquiries at a children's hospital in Boston, MA.

Results: Inpatient admissions, hospital bed-days, and outpatient care-related inquiries increased on average over time postpandemic compared to stable volume over time prepandemic (p < .01). Outpatient assessments decreased precipitously initially following COVID-19-related limitations, and rose quickly back to baseline.

Conclusion: These results indicate increased need for ED-related care during the pandemic. Bolstering resources to meet the needs of these vulnerable patients is critical as the effects of the pandemic continue to be felt.

Keywords: Adolescents; COVID-19; Eating disorders; Young adults.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Monthly inpatient admissions pre- and postpandemic.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Monthly completed outpatient assessments (A) and ED care-related inquiries (B), pre- and postpandemic.
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