Bulimia nervosa in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic - results from an online survey of former inpatients

Abstract: Objective
The COVID‐19 pandemic might pose special challenges to patients with eating disorders (EDs) by interfering with daily routines. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the current pandemic on patients with bulimia nervosa (BN).

Methods
Fifty‐five former inpatients with BN completed an online survey on psychological consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic as well as on changes in health care utilisation and on the use and helpfulness of different coping strategies.

Results
Almost half of patients (49%) reported a deterioration of their ED symptomatology and 62% reported a reduced quality of life. The frequency of binge eating increased in 47% of patients and self‐induced vomiting in 36%. Forty‐six percent of patients stated a noticeable impairment of psychotherapy. Face‐to‐face psychotherapy decreased by 56% but videoconferencing therapy was only used by 22% of patients. Enjoyable activities, virtual social contacts with friends and mild physical activities were rated as the most helpful coping strategies among those most used.

Discussion
Approximately one half to two‐thirds of former inpatients with BN experienced a negative impact of the crisis on their ED symptomatology and quality of life. In challenging times when face‐to‐face therapy options are restricted, e‐health treatments such as videoconferencing therapy should be considered to ensure continuity of care

Angaben zum Objekt

• Standort: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Umfang: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: Englisch
• Anmerkungen: European eating disorders review. - 28, 6 (2020) , 847-854, ISSN: 1099-0968

Klassifikation und Themen

• Schlagwort: Bulimie ; COVID-19 ; Rezidiv

Beteiligte, Orts- und Zeitangaben

• Ereignis: Veröffentlichung
• (wo): Freiburg
• (wer): Universität
• (wann): 2020
• Urheber: Schlegl, Sandra Marika ; Meule, Adrian ; Favreau, Matthias ; Voderholzer, Ulrich

Weitere Informationen

• DOI: 10.1002/erv.2773
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1678823
• Rechteinformation: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Letzte Aktualisierung: 15.08.2025, 07:35 MESZ