Author:
Kawai Keisuke,Tachimori Hisateru,Yamamoto Yurie,Nakatani Yuki,Iwasaki Shinmi,Sekiguchi Atsushi,Kim Yoshiharu,Tamura Naho
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the risk of individuals developing eating disorders and has exacerbated existing eating disorders. This observational study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with clinical and subclinical eating disorders.
Methods
This study was conducted over a period of four years: two years before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. We recorded the number and types of consultations provided by the Eating Disorder Treatment and Support Center coordinator. For subgroup analysis, data were classified by age, body mass index, and source of consultation, including patients, families, and personnel. The Seasonal Decomposition of Time Series by Loess was used for time series analysis.
Results
The total number of consultations increased after the start of the pandemic and peaked around the beginning of 2022, before subsequently falling despite the increase in the number of COVID-19 infections. A similar trend was observed in patients aged 10–29 years. The study period coincided with social isolation and school/college/university closures.
Conclusions
The number of eating disorder consultations increased after the start of the pandemic. Although COVID-19 infections persisted, the pandemic’s impact was transient.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Biological Psychiatry,Psychiatry and Mental health,General Psychology,Social Psychology
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