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Vavassori M, Donzelli G. Impact of COVID-19 restrictive measures during lockdown period on eating disorders: An umbrella review. Nutrition 2024; 124:112463. [PMID: 38749229 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked or amplified many mental health problems. The aim of this study was to compile evidence from existing systematic reviews to provide an overall assessment of the impact of social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic on people affected by eating disorders (EDs). PubMed and Scopus were searched up to August 16, 2023. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were selected using the PRISMA 2020 statement. The quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. Eleven studies were included in this umbrella review. Six main categories emerged from the studies described in the review: dietary changes and psychopathological effects showed an overall worsening of symptomatology; in studies concerning the impact of isolation and restrictive measures, it was found that social distancing was associated with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression; limited access to direct care was found and therapeutic changes were made; the influence of mass media negatively impacted people with ED; several studies reported positive findings regarding symptomatology; finally, studies regarding 'impact on vulnerable populations showed that vulnerable people are more at risk of reporting body image distortion and eating disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted most of the population with ED leading to a worsening of specific symptomatology. In addition, this worsening of the condition may be caused by limited access to care and treatment, changes in routine, or to the negative influence of the media.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriele Donzelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR-IFC), Pisa, Italy
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Hansen SJ, McLay J, Menkes DB. Eating Disorder and Other Psychiatric Hospitalizations in New Zealand During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Eat Disord 2024. [PMID: 38946135 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An unprecedented rise in eating disorder presentations has been documented in several countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored this phenomenon by analyzing nationwide psychiatric admissions over 5 years, controlling for demographic variables. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed all hospitalizations in New Zealand with a primary psychiatric diagnosis from 2017 to 2021, using Poisson regression to calculate admission rates by diagnosis, before and during the pandemic. Using Fisher's exact test and Poisson modeling, national data were validated against a manually collected sample of eating disorder admissions. RESULTS Eating disorder admissions rose significantly during the pandemic (RR 1.48, p < 0.0001), while other diagnoses remained unchanged or decreased slightly. Anorexia nervosa in 10 to 19-year-old females drove increases, with persistent elevations noted in the 10-14 age group. Pandemic-associated increases were more striking for Māori (RR 2.55), the indigenous Polynesian population, compared with non-Māori (RR 1.43). CONCLUSIONS Eating disorder hospital presentations increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, while other psychiatric presentations to hospital remained relatively unchanged. Possible drivers include disrupted routines, barriers to healthcare access, altered social networks, and increased social media use. Clinical services require additional resources to manage the increased disease burden, especially in vulnerable pediatric and indigenous populations. Ongoing monitoring will be required to establish the time-course of pandemic-related clinical demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Hansen
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Te Whatu Ora, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jessica McLay
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David B Menkes
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Davies HO. A local audit evaluating bone health in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea secondary to an eating disorder and a review of the application of hormone therapy in this clinical setting. Post Reprod Health 2024:20533691241261749. [PMID: 38874225 DOI: 10.1177/20533691241261749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
It is widely known that estrogen has a fundamental role to play in skeletal homeostasis. In the most reductionist sense, the action of estrogen can be surmised as anti-resorptive. Estrogen prevents the break-down of bone. It therefore follows that estrogen deficiency states, such as the menopause and functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA), are often characterised by increased bone remodelling and disrupted skeletal homeostasis. FHA is the cessation of menstruation secondary to abnormal signalling between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland due to deficient pulsatile secretion of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH). Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea is frequently a consequence of women suffering with eating disorders. The development of FHA secondary to eating disorders is an evolutionary adaptive response to chronic metabolic energy deficiency. Fundamentally, preservation of life is biologically prioritised over dispensable physiological process such as reproduction. Consequently, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis fails, which disrupts menstrual function and ovulation, culminating in a state of estrogen deficiency. One of the most important and long-lasting deleterious consequences of FHA is disrupted skeletal homeostasis and bone loss. Estrogen replacement, most commonly in the form of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), is advised for women with an early menopause to prevent bone loss. Arguably, estrogen replacement should also be utilised in the context of FHA. However, the optimum estrogen regime for women with FHA remains under-researched and so management is not evidence-based.
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Meneguzzo P, Ceccato E, Sala A, Santonastaso P. When time worsens framing: a longitudinal analysis of the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in women with an eating disorder and their healthy sisters. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:191-199. [PMID: 37964120 PMCID: PMC10933162 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected individuals with eating disorders (ED), leading to an exacerbation of symptoms worldwide in 2020. However, there is a lack of longitudinal analyses of the psychological burdens experienced by this population. This study aims to longitudinally assess the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in people with ED and their healthy sisters (HS) 1 and 2 years after the onset of the crisis. A sample of 148 individuals, consisting of 73 with ED and 45 HS, was evaluated in spring 2021 and spring 2022 regarding their current psychological and behavioral states. Participants were also asked to reflect on their feelings and behaviors during the 2020 lockdown. General psychopathology, eating disorders, and trauma-related symptoms were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Both groups showed an overall improvement in psychopathological symptoms with time. Individuals with ED exhibited greater improvement compared to their HS, which may be attributed to their initially higher burden. Individuals with ED reported a negative reframe, characterized by internalizing negative emotions and behaviors related to the 2020 lockdown. This longitudinal evaluation revealed two distinct and contrasting effects. Both ED patients and their HS demonstrated psychological improvement over time. However, people with ED experienced a negative reframe that affected their memory of specific life events, subsequently affecting their psychological well-being. These findings shed light on the clinical severity observed in people with ED during these pandemic years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy.
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Enrico Ceccato
- Vicenza Eating Disorders Center, Mental Health Department, Azienda ULSS8 "Berica", Vicenza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sala
- Vicenza Eating Disorders Center, Mental Health Department, Azienda ULSS8 "Berica", Vicenza, Italy
| | - Paolo Santonastaso
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
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Dahlgren CL, Sundgot-Borgen C, Kvalem IL, Wennersberg AL, Wisting L. Further evidence of the association between social media use, eating disorder pathology and appearance ideals and pressure: a cross-sectional study in Norwegian adolescents. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:34. [PMID: 38424579 PMCID: PMC10905800 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00992-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated how the plethora of contemporary social media (SM) platforms relate to, and influence eating disorder (ED) pathology, appearance ideals and pressure to conform to these ideals in youth. METHODS In this study, 1558 girls (53%) and boys (47%), predominantly within the 16-19 age range, completed an online questionnaire assessing SM use and perceived influence on appearance, ED pathology, internalization of appearance ideals and perceived appearance pressure. RESULTS Results showed that ED pathology was common, particularly in girls, and that internalization of body ideals was gender specific, a thin ideal being more prevalent in girls, and a muscular ideal being more common in boys. Results also showed a strong association between ED pathology and perceived pressure to conform to these appearance ideals. One fourth of the participants reported spending four hours or more on SM daily, and 80% of girls reported that SM, particularly Instagram and TikTok, had a negative influence on how they felt about their appearance. These girls had significantly higher levels of ED pathology and reported higher levels of appearance pressure from the media. CONCLUSION A clear pattern of associations between photo- and video specific SM platforms, ED pathology, internalization of body ideals and perceived pressure was found in this study. Adolescent girls appeared to be particularly at risk. The results illustrate an imperative need to keep addressing the potential risks of SM use in adolescents, and to continue monitoring the effect of SM on young people's view of themselves, their appearance, and their eating habits. Future studies should attempt to identify aspects of SM use that may be particularly detrimental for girls and boys in their formative years, but also those that may enhance adolescents' satisfaction and appreciation of their body and appearance. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is registered in the Open Science Framework (Identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/5RB6P https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5RB6P ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Lindvall Dahlgren
- Department of Psychology, Oslo New University College, Lovisenberggata 13, 0456, Oslo, Norway.
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Regional Department of Eating Disorders, Oslo University Hospital-Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Christine Sundgot-Borgen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Regional Department of Eating Disorders, Oslo University Hospital-Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingela Lundin Kvalem
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Louise Wennersberg
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Regional Department of Eating Disorders, Oslo University Hospital-Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Wisting
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Regional Department of Eating Disorders, Oslo University Hospital-Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
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Rossi AA, Pietrabissa G, Castelnuovo G, Mannarini S. Cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating. The Italian version of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18 (TFEQ-R-18): a three-step validation study. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:16. [PMID: 38402372 PMCID: PMC10894126 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01642-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18 (TFEQ-R-18) is an extensively used questionnaire to measure three transdiagnostic features of eating behavior: cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating. OBJECTIVE This research aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the TFEQ-R-18 in three large community samples. METHOD Cross-sectional research designs were employed. In Study 1 (N = 537), an exploratory graph analysis (EGA) was used to examine item clustering within the TFEQ-R-18. In Study 2 (N = 645), a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to test its structural validity. In Study 3 (N = 346), a MANOVA was employed assessing mean differences across eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder). RESULTS In Study 1, the EGA accurately identified the three original dimensions of the TFEQ-R-18. Study 2 showed that the Italian TFEQ-R-18 has good fit indexes (CFI = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.064; 90% CI [0.058, 0.070], SRMR = 0.062), and possesses robust psychometric properties. Study 3 reveals distinct, statistically significant differences among eating disorders. CONCLUSION The TFEQ-R-18 proves to be a concise and precise tool for measuring transdiagnostic eating behaviors. Its applicability in the Italian context, supported by robust psychometric properties, suggests its utility for both research and clinical purposes. The findings affirm its potential to inform interventions aimed at enhancing psychological health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Bracké K, Steegers C, van der Harst T, Pons R, Legerstee J, Dierckx B, de Nijs P, Bax-van Berkel M, van Elburg A, Hekkelaan M, Hokke J, de Jong-Zuidema H, Korthals Altes L, Lengton-van der Spil F, Luijkx J, Schuurmans F, Smeets C, van Wijk L, Woltering C, Vernooij M, Hillegers M, White T, Dieleman G. The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder features and comorbid psychopathology among adolescents with anorexia nervosa and matched controls: a comparative cohort design study. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:13. [PMID: 38347293 PMCID: PMC10861646 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder (ED) features and psychopathology in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHOD In total 79 females with first-onset AN (aged 12-22 years) were included and were followed up across a period of 1 year. We assessed AN participants recruited pre-pandemic (n = 49) to those recruited peri-pandemic (n = 30). Pre- (n = 37) and peri-pandemic (n = 38) age-, and education-matched typically developing (TD) girls (n = 75) were used as a reference cohort. ED features and psychopathology were assessed at baseline. After 1 year of follow-up the association between pandemic timing and clinical course was assessed. Analyses of covariance were used to examine differences in ED features and psychopathology. RESULTS Peri-pandemic AN participants experienced less ED symptoms at baseline compared to pre-pandemic AN participants. In particular, they were less dissatisfied with their body shape, and experienced less interpersonal insecurity. In addition, the peri-pandemic AN group met fewer DSM-IV criteria for comorbid disorders, especially anxiety disorders. In contrast, peri-pandemic AN participants had a smaller BMI increase over time. In TD girls, there were no differences at baseline in ED features and psychopathology between the pre- and peri-pandemic group. CONCLUSION Overall, peri-pandemic AN participants were less severely ill, compared to pre-pandemic AN participants, which may be explained by less social pressure and peer contact, and a more protective parenting style during the pandemic. Conversely, peri-pandemic AN participants had a less favorable clinical course, which may be explained by reduced access to health care facilities during the pandemic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Bracké
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cathelijne Steegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tess van der Harst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rozemarijn Pons
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Legerstee
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Dierckx
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter de Nijs
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Annemarie van Elburg
- Altrecht-Rintveld, Mental Health Care Organisation for Eating Disorders, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Hekkelaan
- Department of Pediatrics, Het Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Joke Hokke
- Emergis-Ithaka, Mental Health Care Organisation for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kloetinge, The Netherlands
| | - Hetty de Jong-Zuidema
- GGZ Delfland, Mental Health Care Organisation for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas Korthals Altes
- LUMC-Curium, Mental Health Care Organisation for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Farida Lengton-van der Spil
- Department for Eating Disorders, Emergis, Organisation for Mental Health and Well-Being, Goes, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Luijkx
- GGZ Westelijk Noord Brabant, Mental Health Care Organisation for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Roosendaal and Bergen Op Zoom, Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Schuurmans
- Department of Pediatrics, The Bravis Hospital, Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands
| | - Carien Smeets
- Department of Pediatrics, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Wijk
- Department of Pediatrics, Franciscus Gasthuis en Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claire Woltering
- Department of Pediatrics, Het Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Meike Vernooij
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manon Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Section on Social and Cognitive Developmental Neuroscience, National Institutes of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gwen Dieleman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Cerolini S, Vacca M, Zegretti A, Zagaria A, Lombardo C. Body shaming and internalized weight bias as potential precursors of eating disorders in adolescents. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1356647. [PMID: 38379620 PMCID: PMC10877040 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1356647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Body shaming (BS) is a growing phenomenon within the school context, especially among adolescents. Recently, it has been described as an unrepeated act in which a person expresses unsolicited, mostly negative comments about an individual's body. The targeted person perceives these comments as negative, offensive or body shame-inducing. Empirical evidence also suggests that body weight is the most common reason that youths are teased and bullied. Indeed, weight stigma, described as bias or discriminatory behaviors, attitudes, feelings, and thinking about individuals, because of their weight, can lead to weight-based discrimination and victimization. Preliminary evidence suggests that BS and weight stigma have negative effects on psychological health both in the short and long term. In the delicate stage of adolescence development and pubertal maturation, BS experiences can be highly prevalent and it can lead to adverse outcomes such as eating disorders (ED). However, prevalence data in the Italian context are still lacking. Methods The study aims to estimate weight-related BS perceived by different sources (i.e., peers and family members) and their associations with public and internalized weight bias, body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction, and ED symptoms. A sample of 919 high school students (Mage = 15.97, SD = 1.58; 57.1% boys) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires assessing these variables. Results One in four students reported experiences of weight-related BS by peers or family members. A total of 37% reported having at least one BS experience in a lifetime. Higher scores of ED symptoms, body dissatisfaction, and weight bias were reported by adolescents who experienced BS, especially females. Among overweight participants, results showed that internalized weight bias partially mediated the relationship between BS by family members and ED symptoms and fully mediated the relationship between BS by peers and ED symptoms, after controlling for age, sex and BMI. Discussion These findings, despite their cross-sectional nature, add an important contribution to the creation of quantitative empirical evidence on the phenomenon of BS. Its role in explaining eating disorders, both alone and with the mediation of internalized weight stigma has been first proved and needs to be confirmed by longitudinal results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cerolini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Motorniak D, Savulescu J, Giubilini A. Reelin' In The Years: Age and Selective Restriction of Liberty in the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:685-693. [PMID: 38047996 PMCID: PMC10943133 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10318-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, focused protection strategies including selective lockdowns of the elderly were proposed as alternatives to general lockdowns. These selective restrictions would consist of isolating only those most at risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and subsequent use of healthcare resources. The proposal seems to have troubling implications, including the permissibility of selective lockdown on the basis of characteristics such as ethnicity, sex, disability, or BMI. Like age, these factors also correlated with an increased risk of hospitalization from COVID-19. In this paper, we argue that age has meaningful differences as a morally relevant characteristic in the justification for selective restrictions of liberty. Thus, it might justify selective freedom restrictions in a way in which other factors might not. We offer four moral domains that separate age from other proxies: empiricism, operationality, discrimination, and disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Motorniak
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alberto Giubilini
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Silber AS, Platte S, Kumar A, Arora S, Kadioglu D, Schmidt M, Storf H, Chiocchetti AG, Freitag CM. Admission rates and clinical profiles of children and youth with eating disorders treated as inpatients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a German university hospital. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1281363. [PMID: 38098830 PMCID: PMC10720619 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1281363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Children and youth at risk for mental health disorders, such as eating disorders (ED), were particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet evidence for the most seriously affected and thus hospitalized youth in Germany is scarce. Methods This crosssectional study investigated anonymized routine hospital data (demographic information, diagnoses, treatment modalities) of patients admitted (n = 2,849) to the Department of Child and Adolescence Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy (DCAPPP) of a German University Hospital between 01/2016 and 02/2022. Absolute and relative number of inpatients with or without ED prior to (01/2016-02/2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (03/2020-02/2022) were compared. The effect of school closures as part of social lockdown measures for COVID-19 mitigation on inpatient admission rate was explored as it has been discussed as a potential risk factor for mental health problems in youth. Results During the COVID-19 pandemic, ED inpatient admission rate increased from 10.5 to 16.7%, primarily driven by Anorexia Nervosa (AN). In contrast to previous reports, we found no change in somatic and mental disorder comorbidity, age or sexratio for hospitalized youth with ED. However, we did observe a shortened length of hospital stay (LOS) for hospitalized youth with and without ED. In addition, non-ED admissions presented with an increased number of mental disorder comorbidities. In contrast to our hypothesis, school closures were not related to the observed increase in ED. Discussion In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increased rate of inpatient treatment for youth suffering from AN, and of youth affected by multiple mental disorders. Accordingly, we assume that inpatient admission was prioritized for individuals with a higher burden of disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings pinpoint the need for adequate inpatient mental health treatment capacities during environmental crises, and a further strengthening of child and adolescence psychiatry services in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sophie Silber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy of Childhood and Adolescence, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Simeon Platte
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy of Childhood and Adolescence, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Afsheen Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy of Childhood and Adolescence, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sukhdeep Arora
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy of Childhood and Adolescence, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dennis Kadioglu
- Institute of Medical Informatics (IMI), Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marvin Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Informatics (IMI), Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Holger Storf
- Institute of Medical Informatics (IMI), Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas G. Chiocchetti
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy of Childhood and Adolescence, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christine M. Freitag
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy of Childhood and Adolescence, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Zaidan AM. The leading global health challenges in the artificial intelligence era. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1328918. [PMID: 38089037 PMCID: PMC10711066 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1328918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of people's health is at risk because of several factors and multiple overlapping crises, all of which hit the vulnerable the most. These challenges are dynamic and evolve in response to emerging health challenges and concerns, which need effective collaboration among countries working toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and securing global health. Mental Health, the Impact of climate change, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, Infectious diseases, health system, and population aging are examples of challenges known to pose a vast burden worldwide. We are at a point known as the "digital revolution," characterized by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and a fusion of technology types. AI has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing various health challenges, and the last ten years have been influential due to the rapid expansion in the production and accessibility of health-related data. The computational models and algorithms can understand complicated health and medical data to perform various functions and deep-learning strategies. This narrative mini-review summarizes the most current AI applications to address the leading global health challenges. Harnessing its capabilities can ultimately mitigate the Impact of these challenges and revolutionize the field. It has the ability to strengthen global health through personalized health care and improved preparedness and response to future challenges. However, ethical and legal concerns about individual or community privacy and autonomy must be addressed for effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Mousa Zaidan
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Todisco P, Meneguzzo P, Garolla A, Antoniades A, Vogazianos P, Tozzi F. Preparing for the next pandemic by understanding the impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on patients with eating Disorders: observations from an inpatient setting. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2023; 27:323-329. [PMID: 37293936 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2023.2221318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed eating disorder (ED) services worldwide. Data suggests a worsening of psychopathology and an increased request for specialised treatments. Still, the studies are mostly based on experimental protocols with underpowered short-term opportunistic experimental designs. Thus, this study aims to assess the clinical and psychological differences between patients admitted to a specialised ED Unit before and after the COVID-19 breakout. METHODS Consecutive patients admitted from June 2014 to February 2022 in a specialised EDs Unit were enrolled. A total sample of 498 individuals was enrolled in this retrospective study, collecting demographic and psychopathological data at admission. RESULTS An increase in the admission of patients with anorexia nervosa has been reported, with lower age and higher levels of specific and general psychopathology, especially linked to body uneasiness. CONCLUSIONS Results are put into the context of the preparation for the next pandemic that may require similar mitigation measures as COVID-19 to ensure the impact on existing and new patients. Covering an extended period with validated tools, our results might help psychiatric services to reassess their treatment pathways after the pandemic, helping clinicians to delineate future treatment interventions.KEYPOINTSAfter the COVID-19 breakdown, there was an increase in the admission of patients with anorexia nervosa to specialised services.More severe psychopathology was not accompanied by lower body mass index.Specialised eating disorders services should face sudden changes in patients' requests for treatment.Understanding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting mitigation measures taken can lead to better preparations for the next pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Todisco
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura 'Villa Margherita', Arcugnano, VI, Italy
| | - Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Garolla
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura 'Villa Margherita', Arcugnano, VI, Italy
| | | | - Paris Vogazianos
- Behavioral Sciences Department, European University, Egkomi, Cyprus
| | - Federica Tozzi
- Research & Development, Stremble Ventures LTD, Limassol, Cyprus
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13
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Jensen P, Madsen C, Hauge LJ, Gustavson K, Lund IO, Pettersen JH, Knudsen AKS, Reneflot A, Brandlistuen RE, Valdimarsdóttir UA, Ask H, Nesvåg R. Contact with primary care physicians among adults with pre-existing common mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: a registry-based study from Norway. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1085. [PMID: 37821874 PMCID: PMC10568894 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with pre-existing mental health problems may have experienced additional stress, which could worsen symptoms or trigger relapse. Thus, this study aimed to investigate if the number of consultations with general practitioners (GPs) among individuals with a pre-existing common mental health problem during the pandemic differed from pre-pandemic years. METHODS Data on consultations with GPs among 18-65-year-olds registered with common mental health problems in 2017-2021 were retrieved from the Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursements Database. Based on data from the pre-pandemic years (2017-2019), we predicted the number of consultations per week for depression, anxiety disorder, phobia/obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders during the pandemic (March 2020-December 2021) among individuals with pre-existing mental health problems. The forecasted and observed trends in GP consultations per week during the pandemic were stratified by diagnosis, gender, and age groups. RESULTS The observed number of consultations for anxiety disorder, PTSD, and eating disorders were significantly higher than forecasted during extended periods of the two pandemic years. The differences were largest for PTSD (on average 37% higher in men and 47% higher in women during the pandemic), and for eating disorders among women (on average 87% higher during the pandemic). There were only minor differences between the predicted and observed number of consultations for depression and phobia/OCD. CONCLUSIONS During the pandemic, individuals with a recent history of mental health problems were more likely to seek help for anxiety disorder, PTSD, and eating disorders, as compared to pre-pandemic years.
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Grants
- #324620 Norges Forskningsråd
- #324620 Norges Forskningsråd
- #324620 Norges Forskningsråd
- #324620 Norges Forskningsråd
- #324620 Norges Forskningsråd
- #324620 Norges Forskningsråd
- #324620 Norges Forskningsråd
- #324620 Norges Forskningsråd
- #105668, #138929, #156298 NordForsk
- #105668, #138929, #156298 NordForsk
- #105668, #138929, #156298 NordForsk
- #105668, #138929, #156298 NordForsk
- #105668, #138929, #156298 NordForsk
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI)
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Jensen
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Christian Madsen
- Department of Disease Burden, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Johan Hauge
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Gustavson
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingunn Olea Lund
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johanne Hagen Pettersen
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anne Reneflot
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Unnur Anna Valdimarsdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Helga Ask
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnar Nesvåg
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Caldiroli A, La Tegola D, Manzo F, Scalia A, Affaticati LM, Capuzzi E, Colmegna F, Argyrides M, Giaginis C, Mendolicchio L, Buoli M, Clerici M, Dakanalis A. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3777. [PMID: 37686811 PMCID: PMC10490470 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on binge eating disorder (BED) the new onset and course. Inclusion criteria: original articles and BED diagnosis; and the main outcomes: relationships between the COVID-19 pandemic and the new onset/clinical changes in BED, and specific results for BED. Exclusion criteria: mixed/inaccurate diagnoses and articles not written in English. We searched four databases and one registry until 5 May 2023. The quality appraisal was conducted using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Twelve studies with 4326 participants were included. All studies were observational with nine cross-sectional and three longitudinal. Four of the included studies investigated new-onset BED, while eight examined the BED clinical course of patients with a previous diagnosis. With the exception of one study, the available literature indicates both an increase in BED diagnoses and a clinical worsening during COVID-19. Major limitations include study quality (weak-to-moderate) and high heterogeneity in terms of pandemic phase, population, geographical areas, and psychometric tools. Our findings indicate that BED patients are particularly vulnerable to events characterised by social distancing and over-worry, and should be, therefore, carefully monitored. Further studies are needed to corroborate our findings, implement preventive strategies, and promote personalised treatments. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023434106.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Caldiroli
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCSS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.C.); (D.L.T.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Davide La Tegola
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCSS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.C.); (D.L.T.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Francesca Manzo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 38, 20900 Monza, Italy; (F.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Alberto Scalia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 38, 20900 Monza, Italy; (F.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Letizia Maria Affaticati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 38, 20900 Monza, Italy; (F.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Enrico Capuzzi
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCSS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.C.); (D.L.T.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Fabrizia Colmegna
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCSS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.C.); (D.L.T.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Marios Argyrides
- Department of Psychology, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus;
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece;
| | - Leonardo Mendolicchio
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, U.O. dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Buoli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCSS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.C.); (D.L.T.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 38, 20900 Monza, Italy; (F.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Antonios Dakanalis
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCSS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.C.); (D.L.T.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 38, 20900 Monza, Italy; (F.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.A.)
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15
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Bonfanti RC, Sideli L, Teti A, Musetti A, Cella S, Barberis N, Borsarini B, Fortunato L, Sechi C, Micali N, Lo Coco G. The Impact of the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Eating Symptoms and Dysfunctional Eating Behaviours in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:3607. [PMID: 37630798 PMCID: PMC10458761 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence of feeding and eating disorder (FED) symptoms or dysfunctional eating behaviours (DEB) in the general population during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHOD We searched eligible articles in biomedical databases from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022. Prevalence rates of FED or DEB changes between pre-pandemic and pandemic time and correlation with psychological distress were pooled with a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was tested using I-squared (I2) statistics. A total of 186 studies with 406,076 participants met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The more prevalent FED or DEB during the COVID-19 outbreak were: body image concerns (52%, 95% CI 0.38, 0.66), binge eating (40%, 95% CI 0.25, 0.55), and overeating (40%, 95% CI = 0.32-0.48). Pooled data of longitudinal studies (k = 8) only showed a significant difference in the prevalence of weight gain from pre-pandemic to the pandemic time. Finally, increased levels of psychological distress (k = 35) positively correlated with some ED symptoms. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis evidenced a negative impact of the pandemic on eating symptoms and DEB in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Sideli
- Department of Human Science, LUMSA University, 00193 Rome, Italy;
| | - Arianna Teti
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.T.); (L.F.); (G.L.C.)
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Cella
- Observatory on Eating Disorders, Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Nadia Barberis
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Bianca Borsarini
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Eating Disorders Research Unit, Psychiatric Centre Ballerup, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (B.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Lucia Fortunato
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.T.); (L.F.); (G.L.C.)
| | - Cristina Sechi
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Nadia Micali
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Eating Disorders Research Unit, Psychiatric Centre Ballerup, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark; (B.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Gianluca Lo Coco
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.T.); (L.F.); (G.L.C.)
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16
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Özbaran NB, Yılancıoğlu HY, Tokmak SH, Yuluğ Taş B, Çek D, Bildik T. Changes in the psychosocial and clinical profiles of anorexia nervosa patients during the pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1207526. [PMID: 37539323 PMCID: PMC10394556 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1207526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures have increased the prevalence of anorexia nervosa (AN), and recent studies demonstrated that approximately 70% of individuals diagnosed with AN experienced deterioration in symptoms. This study aimed to examine the psychosocial and clinical impacts on patients with AN during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study involved 35 female AN adolescents who were being treated at Ege University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department. To assess pre-pandemic symptom levels and daily life routines, a retrospective form utilizing the visual analog scale (VAS) was employed. Body mass index (BMI) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) data were recorded by an interviewer for all 35 patients who gave consent to participate in the study. Fifteen patients completed all the forms [VAS, the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders Scale (SCARED), the Eating Attitudes Test, the Quality-of-Life Scale (QoLS), the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, and the Turgay DSM-4 Based Screening and Evaluation Scale for Behavioral Disorders in Children and Adolescents] online in 2022. Clinical diagnosis and progress were assessed retrospectively using The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS). The duration of the follow-up period and the number of psychiatric visits were obtained retrospectively from patient files. Retrospective data on pre-pandemic symptom levels and daily life routines were collected using the VAS. The mean age of AN patients was 16.67 ± 1.63 years. Comorbid diseases were present in 73.33% of patients, and major depressive disorder (MDD) was the most common (46.66%). Mean scores indicated moderate levels of anxiety (SCARED score: 37.23 ± 12.67) and depression (CDI score: 17.23 ± 10.85). QoLS scores were negatively correlated with eating attitudes (r = -0.601, p = 0.039). Obsession level, exercise level, and screen time increased during the pandemic, while social activity, quality of education, and perception of learning decreased. BMI increased in all patients. Patients who completed the forms had a higher number of psychiatric visits compared to those who did not complete the forms (p = 0.033). The mean number of clinic visits was 26.27 ± 20.33. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic had adverse effects on AN patients and disrupted their daily routines. These patients experienced high rates of comorbidities. The patients showed improvement in BMI scores, indicating the positive impact of treatment. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive psychiatric care and targeted interventions for AN patients during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Burcu Özbaran
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | | | - Sibel Helin Tokmak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Begüm Yuluğ Taş
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Didem Çek
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Tezan Bildik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
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17
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Matkovic H, Brajkovic L, Kopilaš V. Psychosocial Factors of Subjective Well-Being in Women with Eating Disorders. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:594. [PMID: 37504041 PMCID: PMC10376748 DOI: 10.3390/bs13070594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Eating disorders are known as the most lethal mental health conditions, and lately there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of these disorders. The aim of this research was to determine the perceived quality of professional support, the relationship between subjective well-being, loneliness, resilience, and the quality of family functioning, and the possibility of predicting subjective well-being based on knowledge of psychosocial factors in people with eating disorders. Eighty-six women with a diagnosed eating disorder participated in the online survey. The Diener Subjective Well-Being Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Self-Report Family Inventory were used to measure the constructs. Questions were constructed to collect information about the perceived quality and availability of professional support. Results showed lower levels of life satisfaction and flourishing and more frequent negative experiences. Reports of medium levels of loneliness, lower levels of flourishing, and lower perceived quality of family functioning were also obtained. Significant predictors of subjective well-being were loneliness and resilience, while family cohesion was significant in predicting positive and negative experiences and flourishing. These findings can contribute to the recognition of aspects existent prior to the development of the disorder, based on which experts can determine what to focus on in the treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Matkovic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lovorka Brajkovic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vanja Kopilaš
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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18
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Napp AK, Kaman A, Erhart M, Westenhöfer J, Ravens-Sieberer U. Eating disorder symptoms among children and adolescents in Germany before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1157402. [PMID: 37304440 PMCID: PMC10254422 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1157402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disordered eating is highly prevalent among children and adolescents. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitalizations due to eating disorders have peaked and overweight has risen. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms among children and adolescents in Germany before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify associated factors. Materials and methods Eating disorder symptoms and associated factors were examined in a sample of n = 1,001 participants of the nationwide population-based COPSY study in autumn 2021. Standardized and validated instruments were used to survey 11-17-year-olds along with a respective parent. To identify differences in prevalence rates, logistic regression was used to compare results with data from n = 997 participants of the prepandemic BELLA study. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations with relevant factors in the pandemic COPSY sample. Results Eating disorder symptoms were reported by 17.18% of females and 15.08% of males in the COPSY study. Prevalence rates were lower overall in the COPSY sample compared to before the pandemic. Male gender, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were associated with increased odds for eating disorder symptoms in the pandemic. Conclusion The pandemic underscores the importance of further research, but also prevention and intervention programs that address disordered eating in children and adolescents, with a focus on age - and gender-specific differences and developments. In addition, screening instruments for eating disorder symptoms in youths need to be adapted and validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Napp
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Competence Center Health, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Kaman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Erhart
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Apollon University of Applied Sciences, Bremen, Germany
| | - Joachim Westenhöfer
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Competence Center Health, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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19
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Has Anything Changed in the Frequency of Emergency Department Visits and the Profile of the Adolescent Seeking Emergency Mental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic? CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10030578. [PMID: 36980136 PMCID: PMC10047842 DOI: 10.3390/children10030578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
We described changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the frequency of Emergency Department (ED) visits for mental health disorders (MHDs) in adolescents on a wider temporal range—that is, not just “the waves” of the pandemic—and characterized the profile of the adolescent seeking emergency psychiatric care. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study by analyzing ED visits for MHDs from 10 March 2019 to 10 March 2021. A total of 1407 ED visits for MHDs were registered: 702 in the pre-COVID-19 and 707 in the COVID-19 period. The cumulative incidence of ED visits for MHDs was 1.22% in the pre-COVID-19 period and 1.77% in the COVID-19 period, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The principal characteristics of the adolescent with MHDs during the pandemic period: the odds of comorbidities decreased by 26% (p = 0.02), and the odds of transfer from other hospitals decreased by 71% (p < 0.001), while the odds of the ED presentation as first psychiatric episode were twice greater (p < 0.001). The risk of hospitalization increased by 54% (p = 0.001). Regarding psychopathology, the likelihood of attempted suicide increased by 74% during the pandemic (p = 0.02). The rate of mood and eating disorders grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic period (p = 0.005 and p = 0.031, respectively). Monitoring ED visits for MHDs and understanding changes in the profile of adolescents presenting to ED helps to reinforce the role of ED in identifying special clinical needs for these vulnerable patients in case of a future public health crisis.
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Monthuy-Blanc J, Corno G, Abou Chabake S. Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceptual disturbances and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors: A review of the literature. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1139261. [PMID: 37008865 PMCID: PMC10050699 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1139261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
From the outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a new physical and social distancing environment has changed our lives and, more particularly, the way of perceiving oneself, as well as eating attitudes and behaviors. An increasing number of studies have highlighted a risky scenario in terms of negative perceptions of one’s body as well as disordered eating and eating disorder patterns in both clinical and general population. With regard to this postulate, this literature review posits two main concepts—perceptual disturbances and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors—in the general and (sub-)clinical populations, to provide an understanding of these phenomena during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive and critical review of published scientific literature about perceptual disturbances (i.e., negative body image, body image disturbances, low body esteem) and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors, including disordered eating (e.g., restrictive eating, binge-eating episodes, overeating, emotional eating) and eating disorders features in community (i.e., general population) and clinical and sub-clinical samples worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Ebsco, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The initial search produced 42 references. Scientific publications from March 2020 to April 2022 were included, and among the works compiled, only published research articles have been retained. Purely theoretical papers were also excluded. The final selection consisted of 21 studies, covering both community, clinical (i.e., eating disorder population), and sub-clinical samples. The details of the results are discussed taking into consideration the potential impact of changes in the way we perceive ourselves and interact with others (e.g., the popularity of videoconferencing and the over-use of social network sites due to social isolation) as well as changes in eating attitudes and behaviors, physical activity and exercise (e.g., as an emotional response to the insecurity generated by the pandemic context), in community and (sub-)clinical samples. The discussion sheds light on two outcomes: (1) a summary of findings with methodological considerations; (2) an intervention continuum to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) and a final conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johana Monthuy-Blanc
- Loricorps Research Unit, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Sciences of Education, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Johana Monthuy-Blanc,
| | - Giulia Corno
- Loricorps Research Unit, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Laboratory of Cyberpsychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Sara Abou Chabake
- Loricorps Research Unit, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, LESPOIR Research Laboratory, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, TRAJETS Research Laboratory, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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21
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"What Made My Eating Disorder Worse?" The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Perspective of Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051242. [PMID: 36904240 PMCID: PMC10005403 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent confinements have led to a dramatic increase in anorexia nervosa (AN) in adolescent patients, whereas the effect on symptom severity and the influencing factors are not yet clear, especially not from the adolescents' perspective. (2) Methods: from February to October 2021, 38 adolescent patients with AN completed an adjusted version of the COVID Isolation Eating Scale (CIES), a self-report questionnaire asking for ED symptomatology before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and for their experiences with remote treatment. (3) Results: patients reported a significant negative impact of confinement on ED symptoms, depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation. During the pandemic, engagement with weight and body image was related to social media, and mirror checking increased. The patients were more preoccupied with cooking recipes and had more eating-related conflicts with their parents. However, the differences in the amount of engagement with social media actively glorifying AN before and during the pandemic did not remain significant after correction for multiple comparisons. The minority of patients who received remote treatment found it to be only limitedly helpful. (4) Conclusions: from the patients' perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic-associated confinement had a detrimental effect on the symptoms of adolescent patients with AN.
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Güzel Â, Mutlu NL, Molendijk M. COVID-19-related changes in eating disorder pathology, emotional and binge eating and need for care: a systematic review with frequentist and Bayesian meta-analyses. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:19. [PMID: 36805344 PMCID: PMC9941242 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has been a leading cause of stress and feelings of loss of control, both of which have been related to eating disorder (ED) pathology onset and deterioration. We aim to estimate the magnitude of changes in the prevalence rates of, and indicators for, ED psychopathology in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD Pre-registered systematic review with frequentist and Bayesian meta-analyses. Searches for eligible studies were performed in PubMed, Web of Science and pre-print servers until January 15 2023. RESULTS Our searches yielded 46 eligible studies reporting on a total of 4,688,559 subjects. These data provide strong evidence indicating increased rates of diagnosed and self-reported ED's and a concordant increased need for care in the face of the pandemic. ED symptom severity scores in patients were not elevated during the pandemic, except for those related to anorexia nervosa. On average, people in the general population report relatively high levels of emotional and binge eating during the pandemic, although the evidential strength for these associations is only anecdotal to moderate. Moderators of between-study heterogeneity were not detected. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a wide spread negative effect on ED pathology in patient samples and the general population. The development of online prevention and intervention programs for EDs during stressful times like a pandemic is encouraged. A limitation is that the results reported here may be prone to biases, amongst others, self-report bias. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I, systematic review and meta-analysis. PREREGISTRATION Prospero [ https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero ] ID: CRD42022316105.
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Affiliation(s)
- Âmine Güzel
- Clinical Psychology Department, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Naz Lâl Mutlu
- Clinical Psychology Department, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Molendijk
- Clinical Psychology Department, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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23
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Li TH, Kamin L, George J, Saiz FS, Meyer P. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment for mental health needs: a perspective on service use patterns and expenditures from commercial medical claims data. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:163. [PMID: 36797739 PMCID: PMC9932413 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine changes in use patterns, cost of healthcare services before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their impacts on expenditures for patients receiving treatment for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use. METHODS This cross-sectional study employed statistical tests to analyze claims in MarketScan® Commercial Database in March 2020-February 2021 and quarterly from March 2020 to August 2021, compared to respective pre-pandemic periods. The analysis is based on medical episodes created by the Merative™ Medical Episode Grouper (MEG). MEG is a methodology that groups medical and prescription drug claims to create clinically relevant episodes of care. RESULTS Comparing year-over-year changes, proportion of patients receiving anxiety treatment among all individuals obtaining healthcare services grew 13.7% in the first year of the pandemic (3/2020-2/2021) versus 10.0% in the year before the pandemic (3/2019-2/2020). This, along with a higher growth in price per episode (5.5% versus 4.3%) resulted in a greater increase in per claimant expenditure ($0.61 versus $0.41 per month). In the same periods, proportion of patients receiving treatment for depression grew 3.7% versus 6.9%, but per claimant expenditure grew by same amount due to an increase in price per episode (4.8%). Proportion of patients receiving treatment for anorexia started to increase 21.1% or more in the fall of 2020. Patient proportion of alcohol use in age group 18-34 decreased 17.9% during the pandemic but price per episode increased 26.3%. Patient proportion of opioid use increased 11.5% in March-May 2020 but decreased or had no significant changes in subsequent periods. CONCLUSIONS We investigated the changes in use patterns and expenditures of mental health patients before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic using claims data in MarketScan®. We found that the changes and their financial impacts vary across mental health conditions, age groups, and periods of the pandemic. Some changes are unexpected from previously reported prevalence increases among the general population and could underlie unmet treatment needs. Therefore, mental health providers should anticipate the use pattern changes in services with similar COVID-19 pandemic disruptions and payers should anticipate cost increases due, in part, to increased price and/or service use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Hsin Li
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598-0218, USA.
| | - Leah Kamin
- grid.481554.90000 0001 2111 841XIBM Watson Health, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Judy George
- grid.481554.90000 0001 2111 841XIBM Watson Health, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | | | - Pablo Meyer
- grid.481554.90000 0001 2111 841XIBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598-0218 USA
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24
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Santoso M, Milliren CE, Woods ER, Forman SF, Richmond TK. COVID-19 related familial economic disruptions and eating disorder patients' mental health concerns and motivation to recover. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:197. [PMID: 36539850 PMCID: PMC9764300 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00709-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family support has been shown to be important for adolescents and young adults (AYA) in eating disorder (ED) treatment. Many families were impacted by the pandemic, potentially altering their ability to support individuals in ED treatment. This study examined the association of COVID-19 related familial economic change with self-reported mental health (MH) and ED concerns in AYA seeking treatment for ED. METHODS AYA patients with EDs aged 10-27 years enrolled in the Registry of Eating Disorders and their Co-morbidities OVER time in Youth (RECOVERY) completed an additional COVID-19-specific survey (n = 89) that assessed their perception of the effects of the pandemic on their lives and their ED. Participants self-reported on familial economic disruptions, measured through a composite score of four markers: (1) family member's work hours cut, (2) family member was required to stop working, (3) family member lost job permanently, and (4) family lost health insurance/benefits. In bivariate analyses, we examined the association between self-reporting any familial economic disruption and self-reported changes in intrusive ED thoughts, feelings of anxiety, feelings of depression, feelings of isolation, and motivation to recover from their ED. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between familial economic disruptions on self-reported changes in ED/MH affect and motivation to recover adjusting for age and ED diagnosis. RESULTS Forty-six percent of participants self-reported that the pandemic had resulted in at least one economic familial disruption. Of patients reporting any familial economic disruption, 29% reported decreased motivation for ED recovery, and over 75% reported worsening feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation, and/or intrusive eating disorder thoughts. Reporting any COVID-19 familial economic disruption was marginally associated with feelings of isolation (p = 0.05). Though the findings were only marginally significant, the odds of reporting worsening feelings of depression, anxiety, intrusive ED thoughts or motivation to recover were nearly twice in those who reported a COVID-19-related familial economic disruption compared to those who did not report such a disruption. CONCLUSIONS Family-related economic disruptions are associated with ED/MH-related concerns and motivation to recover from an ED during the COVID-19 pandemic in AYA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Santoso
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA.
| | - Carly E Milliren
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA.,Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Woods
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Sara F Forman
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Tracy K Richmond
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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25
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Witteveen A, Young S, Cuijpers P, Ayuso-Mateos J, Barbui C, Bertolini F, Cabello M, Cadorin C, Downes N, Franzoi D, Gasior M, John A, Melchior M, McDaid D, Palantza C, Purgato M, Van der Waerden J, Wang S, Sijbrandij M. Remote mental health care interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic: An umbrella review. Behav Res Ther 2022; 159:104226. [PMID: 36410111 PMCID: PMC9661449 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitigating the COVID-19 related disruptions in mental health care services is crucial in a time of increased mental health disorders. Numerous reviews have been conducted on the process of implementing technology-based mental health care during the pandemic. The research question of this umbrella review was to examine what the impact of COVID-19 was on access and delivery of mental health services and how mental health services have changed during the pandemic. A systematic search for systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted up to August 12, 2022, and 38 systematic reviews were identified. Main disruptions during COVID-19 were reduced access to outpatient mental health care and reduced admissions and earlier discharge from inpatient care. In response, synchronous telemental health tools such as videoconferencing were used to provide remote care similar to pre-COVID care, and to a lesser extent asynchronous virtual mental health tools such as apps. Implementation of synchronous tools were facilitated by time-efficiency and flexibility during the pandemic but there was a lack of accessibility for specific vulnerable populations. Main barriers among practitioners and patients to use digital mental health tools were poor technological literacy, particularly when preexisting inequalities existed, and beliefs about reduced therapeutic alliance particularly in case of severe mental disorders. Absence of organizational support for technological implementation of digital mental health interventions due to inadequate IT infrastructure, lack of funding, as well as lack of privacy and safety, challenged implementation during COVID-19. Reviews were of low to moderate quality, covered heterogeneously designed primary studies and lacked findings of implementation in low- and middle-income countries. These gaps in the evidence were particularly prevalent in studies conducted early in the pandemic. This umbrella review shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, practitioners and mental health care institutions mainly used synchronous telemental health tools, and to a lesser degree asynchronous tools to enable continued access to mental health care for patients. Numerous barriers to these tools were identified, and call for further improvements. In addition, more high quality research into comparative effectiveness and working mechanisms may improve scalability of mental health care in general and in future infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.B. Witteveen
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Corresponding author
| | - S. Young
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P. Cuijpers
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J.L. Ayuso-Mateos
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-Princesa), Madrid, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Barbui
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - F. Bertolini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - M. Cabello
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Cadorin
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - N. Downes
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale (ERES), Faculté de Médecine St Antoine, Paris, France
| | - D. Franzoi
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M. Gasior
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A. John
- Health Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - M. Melchior
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale (ERES), Faculté de Médecine St Antoine, Paris, France
| | - D. McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - C. Palantza
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M. Purgato
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - J. Van der Waerden
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale (ERES), Faculté de Médecine St Antoine, Paris, France
| | - S. Wang
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M. Sijbrandij
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Sleep disruption as a potential contributor to the worsening of eating disorder pathology during the COVID-19-pandemic. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:181. [PMID: 36424635 PMCID: PMC9685838 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00704-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with significant increases in the prevalence and severity of eating disorders (EDs). Studies also highlighted changes to sleep quality and duration in many individuals throughout this period. Although these two phenomena have been examined separately, here we highlight the need to investigate the potential link between these outcomes. Sleep dysregulation and EDs have previously been hypothesized to interact via a positive feedback loop, wherein poor sleep exacerbates ED symptomatology which, in turn, further worsens sleep. Thus, we speculate that the aggravation of sleep disturbances and EDs during COVID-19 lockdowns may have been somewhat interdependent. We further hypothesize that the worsening of depression and anxiety symptomology during the acute phase of the pandemic may have served as an additional mediating variable. Altogether, in our view, these observations highlight a need for future work to examine the possible causal relationship between sleep and ED pathology, which may ultimately lead to improved clinical management of disordered eating.
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Jeamjitvibool T, Duangchan C, Mousa A, Mahikul W. The Association between Resilience and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192214854. [PMID: 36429573 PMCID: PMC9690093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the association between resilience and psychological distress in healthcare workers, the general population, and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Science Direct, and Nursing and Allied Health databases. Included articles examined healthcare workers (e.g., physicians and nurses), the general population, and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies of exposure to other infectious diseases related to epidemics or pandemics (e.g., SARS and MERS) were excluded. This study was performed following the Cooper matrix review method and PRISMA guidelines, followed by a meta-analysis of study results using R version 4.1.2. A random effect model was used for the pooled analysis. This study was registered with PROSPERO (registration No. CRD42021261429). Based on the meta-analysis, we found a moderate negative relationship between overall resilience and psychological distress (r = -0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.45 to -0.38, p < 0.001). For the subgroup analysis, a moderately significant negative relationship between overall resilience and psychological distress was found among healthcare workers (r = -0.39, 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.33, p < 0.001), which was weaker than in the general population (r = -0.45, 95% CI: -0.50 to -0.39, p < 0.001) and in patients (r = -0.43; 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.33; p < 0.001). This association was robust, although the heterogeneity among individual effect sizes was substantial (I2 = 94%, 99%, and 74%, respectively). This study revealed a moderate negative relationship between resilience and psychological distress in healthcare workers, the general population, and patients. For all these populations, interventions and resources are needed to improve individuals' resilience and ability to cope with psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and in future disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanakrit Jeamjitvibool
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Cherdsak Duangchan
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Andria Mousa
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Wiriya Mahikul
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-93194-2944
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28
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Meier K, van Hoeken D, Hoek HW. Review of the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of eating disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2022; 35:353-361. [PMID: 35903873 PMCID: PMC9594124 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the recent literature on the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on incidence and severity of symptoms of eating disorders (EDs). RECENT FINDINGS A worrying increase of EDs in- and outpatients has been reported since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019/2020. Restrictions implemented during the pandemic to protect populations against COVID-19 increased the risk for onset and for worsening of EDs by disrupting eating and exercise routines, social isolation, lack of support, and limited access to healthcare. Substantial increases since the start of the pandemic have been reported for overall incidence (15%), hospital admissions (48%) and emergency department visits (11%) for EDs, with even higher increases among women and children or adolescents with an ED. During the pandemic, ED patients reported increased severity of ED-specific symptoms and increased anxiety, depression and suicidal ideations and -attempts. Treatments shifted largely toward online methods for continuity of care, despite concerns about the quality of care provided and difficulties in self-monitoring. Our review provides preliminary evidence for a similar effectiveness of online treatment to prepandemic face-to-face treatment. In-person assessment remains essential for detecting EDs and for those requiring medical admission. SUMMARY Although the ongoing COVID-2019 pandemic affected mental health globally, research shows that it particularly affected individuals with an ED diagnosis or at risk for an ED, especially women, children and adolescents, and those with anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karien Meier
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hans W. Hoek
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, New York, New York, USA
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29
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Relationships between Individual and Social Resources, Anxiety and Depression in the Early Lockdown Stage by the COVID-19 in Chile. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12100357. [PMID: 36285926 PMCID: PMC9598173 DOI: 10.3390/bs12100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease has exposed the population to psychosocial threats that could increase mental health problems. This research analyzed the relationships between emotional states (negative [−EWB] and positive [+EWB] experienced well-being), personal resources (resilient coping [RC]), dispositional resources (control beliefs about stress [BAS]), and social resources (social support [SS]), and anxiety and depressive symptoms in a sample of the Chilean population (n = 592), who answered an online questionnaire. Multiple and moderated multiple regression analyses were carried out. Depressive symptoms showed a positive relationship with −EWB (β = 0.805; p < 0.001) and negative relationship with +EWB (β = −0.312; p < 0.001), RC (β = −0.089; p < 0.01), BAS (β = −0.183; p < 0.001) and SS (β = −0.082; p < 0.001). Anxiety symptoms showed a positive relationship with −EWB (β = 0.568; p < 0.001), and a negative relationship with +EWB (β = −0.101; p < 0.03) and BAS (β = −0.092; p < 0.001). BAS moderated the relationship between experienced well-being and depression symptoms, and RC moderated the relationship between experienced well-being with both depression and anxiety symptoms. Findings confirm the buffering effect of personal and dispositional resources when facing a sanitary and social crisis. Moreover, they help to understand the role of internal psychological processes during a crisis and how to cope with life-threatening events.
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D'Agostino A, Gritti ES, Gagliardi C. Generation COVID-19 and bodily disorders: Hyperbolic narratives and a developmental psychopathology perspective. Front Public Health 2022; 10:976584. [PMID: 36033739 PMCID: PMC9411854 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.976584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Starting from spring 2020, newspapers headlines and studies have suggested that the COVID-19 pandemics had a negative impact especially on the mental health of children and adolescents, so that terms like "lost generation" or "generation COVID-19" have been used to define youth in time of pandemic crisis. Similarly, international health agencies reported an increase in depression and anxiety among adolescents in COVID-19 time, but also a rise in bodily disorders, such as non-suicidal self-injury and eating disorders. However, scientific data on this matter are not as clear as they seem and theoretical-clinical proposals regarding the processes involved are lacking. Focusing specifically on bodily disorders in adolescents during COVID-19, the aim of this perspective paper is to review this issue and propose a novel viewpoint on it. Firstly, data regarding frequency and phenomenology of bodily disorders in adolescence before and during the pandemic will be presented to underline possible discrepancies, gaps, or hyperbolic descriptions in the literature published after the COVID-19 outbreak. Secondly, a specific theoretical-clinical perspective will be proposed, that is, a developmental psychopathology perspective which attempts to frame these phenomena in a more nuanced and complex way, taking into account the role of developmental processes in adolescence age and its difficulties in the specific, subjective life-context of the individual, when intertwining with vulnerability factors and stressful life events. As such, the function of the body for the adolescent as a primary mean for regulating the self-other relationship and developing a greater sense of self-agency will be highlighted. The final objective is to help the clinician in developing both a critical thinking about the data that are shared in public outlets and an intervention that takes into account the complexity of contemporary psychopathological phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra D'Agostino
- Department of Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy,*Correspondence: Alessandra D'Agostino
| | | | - Chiara Gagliardi
- Department of Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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