The COVID-19 pandemic brought a wave of challenges that affected nearly every aspect of life. But one of the less visible impacts was the sharp rise in eating disorder admissions.
And this is especially true among adolescents. As public health restrictions intensified, so did the pressure on young people. This led to a concerning increase in hospitalizations.
How Did the Pandemic Influence Mental Health Globally?
As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed life. Overnight, the world was thrust into uncertainty, fear and isolation. These changes affected global mental health.
Increased Anxiety and Depression
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 25% increase in anxiety and depression during the first year of the pandemic. Numerous factors driving this surge. Fear of infection, financial instability and prolonged social isolation. Many people experienced overwhelming stress as they juggled health concerns with job insecurity.
Additionally, the sudden shift to remote work and online schooling disrupted daily routines. These disruptions often led to heightened anxiety and depression. Especially among those already vulnerable.
Loneliness and Social Isolation
Social distancing measures, while necessary, left many feeling isolated and lonely. Lockdowns restricted access to social support systems. Such as family, friends, and community groups. Lack of connection also exacerbated feelings of loneliness.
Studies revealed that prolonged isolation can lead to worsening mental health conditions. Such as depression and anxiety. The absence of physical interaction made it challenging for people to cope especially those living alone or in unstable environments.
Impact on Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents were not immune to the pandemic’s mental health effects. School closures and the cancellation of extracurricular activities disrupted their social lives. This age group faced unique challenges. Including increased screen time and the pressure to adapt to online learning.
According to UNICEF, one in five young people reported feeling depressed or having little interest in doing things during the pandemic. The lack of routine combined with parental stress, created an environment where mental health issues could easily take root.
Disrupted Access to Mental Health Services
The pandemic also disrupted access to mental health services. Lockdowns and social distancing measures limited in-person appointments. Leading to a reliance on telehealth. While telehealth provided a lifeline for many, it still wasn’t accessible to everyone.
Meanwhile in low- and middle-income countries, the availability of mental health services declined significantly. The WHO reported that over 93% of countries saw disruptions in critical mental health services during the pandemic. Many left without the support they needed. Worsening their mental health conditions.
What Are Eating Disorders, and How Do They Affect Individuals?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions. They involve unhealthy eating behaviors that negatively impact physical and emotional well-being. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. These disorders often stem from complex interactions between genetics, environment, and emotional stressors.
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is distinguished by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. People with anorexia often engage in extreme food restriction and excessive exercise.
The consequences could be severe malnutrition, weakened immune system and organ damage. In extreme cases, anorexia can be life-threatening. It is estimated that anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder.
Bulimia Nervosa and Its Effects
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging. Purging can take many forms. Vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or over-exercising. People with bulimia often feel out of control during binges and are consumed with guilt and shame afterward. The physical toll is electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and severe dental issues. Mentally, bulimia can also lead to depression, anxiety and a deep sense of shame.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It involves consuming large quantities of food in a short period. Often when not physically hungry.
But unlike bulimia, BED does not involve purging. However it does lead to significant distress and feelings of loss of control. The health consequences could be Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even cardiovascular disease. Whats more, individuals with BED often struggle with guilt, shame, and low self-esteem.
What Does the Research Say About the Pandemic’s Impact on Eating Disorders?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging period for mental health, with significant disruptions to daily life. Also one area of concern is the sharp increase in hospitalizations for eating disorders among adolescents particularly females.
A recent study titled “Pandemic Stringency Measures and Hospital Admissions for Eating Disorders” provides understanding into how public health restrictions during the pandemic contributed to this alarming trend.
Increase in Hospitalizations for Eating Disorders
The study found a notable rise in hospitalizations for eating disorders during the pandemic. The data shows that out of 11,289 hospitalizations across Canada during the study period 8,726 were among female adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
This group was significantly impacted. Representing 77% of all cases. The study’s findings indicate that this rise in hospitalizations is closely linked to the stringency of public health measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus.
How Stringency Measures Affected Eating Disorders
Public health stringency measures, such as lockdowns, social distancing, and school closures were necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. However, these measures also had unintended consequences on mental health. Particularly among vulnerable populations like adolescents.
Moreover, the study utilized the Bank of Canada stringency index to measure the severity of these restrictions. A 10% increase in stringency was linked to a significant rise in hospitalization rates for eating disorders among females aged 12 to 17 years. Trend was observed across several Canadian regions.
Regional Differences in Hospitalization Rates
The study highlighted that the impact of stringency measures varied by region. In Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia, a 10% increase in stringency correlated with a rise in hospitalization rates. The adjusted rate ratios (ARR) ranged from 1.05 to 1.11.
The most significant increases were observed in British Columbia, with an ARR of 1.11. Mainly, t findings suggest that while the impact of public health measures was widespread, the degree of impact varied depending on the region.
Timing of the Increase
The study also revealed that the increase in hospitalizations for eating disorders peaked at the one-year mark during the pandemic. Across all regions, there was a substantial rise in hospitalization rates compared to the pre-pandemic period.
For example, in Ontario the relative risk (RR) of hospitalization for eating disorders increased by 2.44 times during the pandemic. This pattern was consistent across other regions. Indicating a sustained and significant impact of the pandemic on eating disorder cases.
Implications for Future Public Health Measures
The findings of this study have important implications for future public health preparedness. Measures like lockdowns are essential for controlling pandemics.
Its also important to consider the broader impact on mental health. Especially for vulnerable populations like adolescents. Study suggests that future pandemic planning should include provisions for mental health support and resources to mitigate the adverse effects of such measures.
Addressing the Needs of At-Risk Youth
This study underscores the importance of supporting at-risk youth during times of crisis. Adolescents, particularly females are highly susceptible to developing eating disorders.
Especially when exposed to high levels of stress, isolation and disruption to their routines. So pandemic underscored the urgent need for accessible mental health services. It also showed the importance of quickly mobilizing support systems during public health emergencies.
How Can the TMS Institute of Arizona Help?
The TMS Institute of Arizona is dedicated to providing innovative and effective treatments for individuals struggling with mental health conditions. While Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is primarily FDA-approved for treating depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it has shown promise as an off-label treatment for other conditions, including eating disorders.
The Potential of TMS as an Off-Label Treatment
TMS therapy involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Which can help alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions. The FDA has not approved TMS for treating conditions beyond depression and OCD.
However, many clinical studies suggest its potential benefits. These include treating anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. And these studies have shown that TMS can help regulate brain activity, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
How TMS Works for Off-Label Treatments
For off-label uses, the TMS machines are carefully adjusted to target the brain areas associated with the specific condition being treated. This customization ensures that the treatment triggers appropriate and beneficial responses in the brain, helping to alleviate symptoms.
Specifically, the flexibility of TMS settings allows clinicians to tailor the therapy to the individual needs of the patient. Making it a versatile option for those who have not responded well to traditional treatments.
Benefits of TMS Therapy
In addition, TMS therapy offers several advantages over traditional medication-based treatments. It is non-invasive. Meaning it does not require surgery or anesthesia. TMS therapy is also generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Unlike medications, which can have long-term side effects, TMS does not have lingering effects once treatment is completed. This makes it an attractive alternative for individuals seeking relief from their symptoms without the burden of medication-related side effects.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your situation.
Who Can Benefit from TMS Therapy?
If you are struggling with a mental health condition and have not found relief through conventional treatments, you may be a candidate for TMS therapy.
Luckily, the TMS Institute of Arizona offers detailed evaluations to determine whether TMS is a suitable option for you. The evaluation process is thorough, ensuring that the treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and health goals.
Learn more about how TMS therapy could benefit you. Contact us.
References
Roumeliotis, N., Carwana, M., Charland, K., Trudeau, O., Benigeri, M., Diop, M., Agostino, H., Zinszer, K., Isra Amsdr, Baudoin Forgeot d’Arc, Sylvana Côté, Basta, N. E., Fontela, P., Gantt, S., Klassen, T. P., Quach, C., Doan, Q., Ahira, S., Ali, S., & Allen, U. (2024). Pandemic Stringency Measures and Hospital Admissions for Eating Disorders. JAMA Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.2044
and, D. (2024, August 9). Definition & Facts for Binge Eating Disorder. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; NIDDK – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/binge-eating-disorder/definition-facts
Impact of COVID-19 on poor mental health in children and young people “tip of the iceberg” – UNICEF. (2021). Unicef.org. https://www.unicef.org/eap/press-releases/impact-covid-19-poor-mental-health-children-and-young-people-tip-iceberg-unicef
Novotney, A. (2019). The risks of social isolation. Https://Www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation
Shunsuke Edakubo, & Kiyohide Fushimi. (2020). Mortality and risk assessment for anorexia nervosa in acute-care hospitals: a nationwide administrative database analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-2433-8
World. (2020, October 5). COVID-19 disrupting mental health services in most countries, WHO survey. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news/item/05-10-2020-covid-19-disrupting-mental-health-services-in-most-countries-who-survey
World. (2022, March 2). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide
