The COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound, negative impact on
nine out of ten people with experience of eating disorders, a new study from Northumbria
University, Newcastle, reveals.
According to Beat, the UK’s
eating disorder charity, approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an
eating disorder. Until now, little was known about the impact of the pandemic
on this population.
While it is evident that the COVID-19
outbreak is having a significant effect on the global population, research
carried out by academics from Northumbria’s Department of Psychology shows that
the pandemic raises additional, unique challenges for individuals with eating
disorders.
The study comes after calls
from the scientific community to investigate the mental health consequences of
the pandemic for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with serious
mental health conditions, including those with lived experience of eating
disorders.
In addition to raising
awareness of the impact of the pandemic for those affected by eating disorders,
the results have the potential to influence future health service provisions,
guidance and policies. The paper has been published in
the Journal of Eating Disorders online
today.
Exploring the impact on wellbeing
During
the early stages of the UK pandemic lockdown, Dr Dawn Branley-Bell and Dr Catherine Talbot surveyed
individuals across the country who are currently experiencing, or in recovery
from, an eating disorder.
The
results suggest that disruptions to daily life as a result of lockdown and
social distancing may have a detrimental impact on an individual’s wellbeing,
with almost nine out of ten (87%) of participants reporting that their symptoms
had worsened as a result of the pandemic. Over 30% stated that their symptoms
were much worse.
Findings indicate detrimental
impacts on psychological wellbeing including decreased feelings of control,
increased feelings of social isolation, increased rumination about disordered
eating, and low feelings of social support.
Through
analysis of participants’ responses, researchers found that the negative
effects may be due to changes to individuals: regular routine, living
situation, time spent with friends and family, access to treatment, engagement
in physical activity, relationship with food and use of technology.
Crucial findings
One of the major challenges
faced by those surveyed was a reduction in healthcare service provision or discrepancies
in access to healthcare services. Some reported being prematurely discharged
from inpatient units, having treatment suspended or continuing to stay on a
waiting list for treatment, and receiving limited post-diagnostic support.
A reduction in service
provision caused some participants to report feeling like a “burden”, an
“inconvenience”, and “forgotten” by the government and NHS.
Beat, a national charity for people
with eating disorders with over 25 years’ experience of working with sufferers
and their loved ones, has seen an 81% increase in contact across all Helpline
channels. This includes a 125% rise in social media contact and a 115% surge in
online group attendance.
Tom Quinn, Beat's Director of
External Affairs, said: “We have seen first-hand the devastating impact the
pandemic has had on those suffering from or vulnerable to eating disorders and
their loved ones. More and more people are reaching out to our Helpline
services, and we are prepared to support anyone in need at this time."
The research team warns that
the consequences of not being able to access professional eating disorder treatment
during the pandemic could be severe, causing some peoples’ conditions to become
much worse and, in some cases, could prove fatal.
Media coverage
and social media posts were also cited as a source of anxiety due to the
general population’s preoccupation with food, weight gain and exercise.
Although some
positive aspects of technology use were identified, those surveyed repeatedly
highlighted the emphasis upon eating and exercise that has become a dominant
theme across social media during the pandemic and the associated lockdown.
Academics stressed
that while positive messages about diet and exercise can be beneficial for the
majority of the population, it is important for healthcare and government to
acknowledge that these can also be triggering or upsetting for vulnerable
populations.
Critical action
required
Recommendations
on how these issues can be addressed via further developments within
healthcare, research, governance and policy were also outlined in the study. Dr
Branley-Bell and Dr Talbot explain that this could benefit those experiencing
eating disorders and also mental health issues more broadly.
Dr
Dawn Branley-Bell, Research Associate, says: “Our findings highlight that we
must not underestimate the longevity of the impact of the pandemic. Individuals
with experience of eating disorders will likely experience a long-term effect
on their symptoms and recovery. It is important that this is recognised by
healthcare services, and beyond, in order to offer the necessary resources to
support this vulnerable population now and on an on-going basis.”
If you’re worried about your own or someone
else’s health, you can contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, on 0808
801 0677 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Read more about the research in this insightful article written for The Conversation by study authors Dr Dawn Branley-Bell and Dr Catherine Talbot. The full paper can be found online at doi.org/10.1186/s40337-020-00319-y
