Eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: scoping review of psychosocial impact

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 drastically changed the daily lives of the entire population. Despite being efficient in helping to avoid deaths and prevent the collapse of the healthcare system, social distancing can lead to unfavorable outcomes in the physical and mental health of the population, in particular, those diagnosed with eating disorders. This scope review aimed to analyze the scientific production on the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with eating disorders, in the subtypes anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Method: This is a scope review, based on a rigorous method based on the PRISMA strategy. The indexed databases PubMed, LILACS, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SciELO, CINHAL, and Embase were consulted. After screening 387 records, 19 studies were included in the review. Results: The results were subdivided into four thematic categories: (1) repercussions of confinement on daily life, in which the impacts of social distancing on daily life are presented, such as greater contact with the family and sudden changes in routine; (2) impacts on the treatment performed for eating disorders, underlining the effects of discontinuity of face-to-face treatments; (3) consequences for mental health, highlighting the consequences of the uncertain period for psychological distress; and (4) effects on symptoms of eating disorders, emphasizing the consequences of the pandemic for the symptoms of anorexia and bulimia. Conclusion: We concluded that the confinement and uncertainties of this period accentuated preexisting symptoms, arousing feelings of helplessness and loneliness, especially because they were patients who were more susceptible to routine changes and fragilization of social support networks. Strengthening the personal support network is especially important, as well as investing in strengthening the bond between family members and health services, which points to future research.