Exploring the ways in which COVID-19 and lockdown has affected the lives of adult patients with anorexia nervosa and their carers.
Eur Eat Disord Rev
; 28(6): 826-835, 2020 11.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-995934
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
This qualitative study explores the ways in which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated lockdown measures have affected the lives of adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their carers.METHOD:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with AN (n = 21) and carers (n = 28) from the start of UK Government imposed lockdown. Data related directly to the impact of lockdown and COVID-19 were analysed using thematic analysis.RESULTS:
Four broad themes were identified for patients and carers separately. Patients experienced 1. reduced access to eating disorder (ED) services; 2. disruption to routine and activities in the community; 3. heightened psychological distress and ED symptoms; 4. increased attempts at self-management in recovery. Carer themes included 1. concern over provision of professional support for patients; 2. increased practical demands placed on carers in lockdown; 3. managing new challenges around patient wellbeing; 4. new opportunities.CONCLUSIONS:
Reduced access to ED services, loss of routine and heightened anxieties and ED symptoms resulting from COVID-19 and lockdown measures presented challenges for patients and carers. Increased remote support by ED services enabled the continuation of treatment and self-management resources and strategies promoted self-efficacy in both groups.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Anorexia Nervosa
/
Quarantine
/
Caregivers
/
Pandemics
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
/
Young adult
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Eur Eat Disord Rev
Journal subject:
Nutritional Sciences
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Erv.2762
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