A Qualitative Exploration of Prominent Factors Contributing to the Aetiology of Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Presentations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Perspectives of Patients, Parents and Clinicians

Author:

Murray Finán1,Houghton Sharon2,Murphy Fay3,Clancy Emma3ORCID,Fortune Dónal1,McNicholas Fiona345

Affiliation:

1. Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland

2. Clinical Psychology Programme, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland

3. Lucena Clinic Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, 59 Orwell Road, Rathgar, D06 HX93 Dublin, Ireland

4. Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin, D12 N512 Dublin, Ireland

5. School Medicine & Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the prominent factors that contributed to the development of child and adolescent eating disorder presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was achieved through a qualitative analysis of interviews gathered from (1) adolescent patients diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic (aged 13–18) (n = 4), (2) parents of patients attending an ED service (n = 7) and (3) clinicians working within a specialist child and adolescent ED support service (n = 7). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and establish the most prominent aetiological factors reported. Results: The most prominent aetiological factors reported were (1) the accumulation of risk factors; (2) seeking control amid increased anxiety, stress and uncertainty; (3) social isolation; (4) an increased focus on exercise and “healthy eating”; (5) increased social media use promoting unhelpful attention towards ED triggers; and (6) a lack of both awareness and support services. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the quantity and severity of ED presentations increased. The current study uncovered six themes perceived by patients, parents and clinical staff that contributed to the aetiology of ED presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped that the insight gained through this research study into ED aetiology may act as a basis for further research and support ED awareness, prevention and intervention in the future.

Publisher

MDPI AG

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