The effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents with an eating disorder and identifying factors predicting disordered eating behaviour

Aim To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents with eating disorders (ED) and identify factors predicting ED behaviour. Method This study took place during an age-stratified lockdown for those under 20 years in Turkey. Participants completed a survey developed to evaluate the effects of the lockdown on ED behaviour, well-being and quality of life (QoL) and additionally the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q), and scales for depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviour. The relationship between the EDE-Q-global score and other variables related to ED was examined. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the predictive power of these variables on ED behaviour. Results Thirty-eight ED patients with a mean age of 15.12 +/- 1.56 years were included in the study. Of participants, 42.1% reported feeling an improvement in ED symptomatology, 71.0% reported none or rare conflict with parents due to eating, 39.5% reported often or always complying with their meal plan. Of participants, 92.0% agreed to 'understanding the value of being healthy' and stated realizing that 'they were in control' due to the pandemic. Of participants 36.9% scored 'bad' for both overall and ED related QoL. In the stepwise regression analysis depression score had the highest predictive value for ED behaviour. Conclusion Almost half of the participants felt an improvement in their ED and a majority reported rare parental conflict. However, less than half reported meal plan compliance. As depression had the highest positive predictive value for ED behaviour additional screening for depression during the pandemic maybe warranted in ED patients.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents with eating disorders, finding that some participants felt improvement in their symptoms while most reported rare conflict with parents due to eating issues, but less than half reported compliance with their meal plan. Depression had the highest predictive value for ED behavior.