Has the epidemic doubled the number of anorexia and overeaters? Don't ignore the "3 warning signs" of eating disorders
During the epidemic period, overeating due to excessive panic and anxiety; or feeling that you have completely lost your appetite and unable to eat, may be a precursor to suffering from an “eating disorder”! According to an editorial published in The Lancet, eating disorders are potentially disabling, fatal and costly mental illnesses that can seriously damage physical health and disrupt psychosocial functioning. In the two years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people diagnosed with eating disorders has continued to rise at an alarming rate.
What are the types of eating disorders? Loss of appetite and overeating are the most common
According to guidelines published by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), eating disorders are generally divided into the following three types:
Anorexia nervosa: This type of patient eats less than ordinary people and usually weighs himself repeatedly; even if he is underweight, he still thinks he is too fat or overweight. In addition, patients may develop diseases or symptoms such as anemia, osteoporosis, hypotension, brain damage, or even multiple organ failure.
Bulimia Nervosa: Patients repeatedly consume large amounts of food and engage in compensatory behaviors after overeating, such as inducing vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, and excessive exercise. Symptoms or associated illnesses include inflammation of the body, sore throat, gastroesophageal reflux, severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and tooth damage due to stomach acid erosion.
Binge eating disorder: Compared with bulimia nervosa, patients with this type of disorder do not have bowel movements, excessive exercise, or use of laxatives after the binge eating period; instead, they lose control of their eating and experience abnormal overeating. People with bulimia are often overweight or obese and have higher rates of chronic diseases and cardiovascular disease than the general population.
According to NIMH, eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors and are often related to usual eating behaviors or severe mood swings. Eating disorders affect all ages, races, weights and genders. Eating disorders often appear in adolescence or young adulthood, but can also develop in childhood or later in life.
The number of eating disorders surged during the epidemic. US health center lists “3 major reasons”
“JAMA Network” research pointed out that between January 2018 and December 2020, the number of hospitalizations for eating disorders in the United States doubled, totaling 3.25 million people. Analysis from the Royal College of Psychiatrists also shows that the number of eating disorders in the UK has increased by 84% in the past five years, which is speculated to be closely related to COVID-19 and the home isolation policy. The analysis shows that the group with the largest increase is young women under 18; men account for 25% of anorexia nervosa. Because the disease is difficult to be clearly diagnosed, men may face a higher risk of death.
A study published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) pointed out that the pandemic has caused a surge in eating disorders. There are three possible ways: First, during home isolation, people can only rely on video to work and lack outdoor exercise, which may lead to obesity or obesity. The problem of obesity; second, the anxiety caused by specific media reports, which makes personal emotions fluctuate too much, and can only use food to vent the uncertainty in the heart; third, the fear of the new crown diagnosis and social isolation during the pandemic make Increased negative emotions can lead to eating disorders.
How to relieve eating disorders? Cognitive therapy and medication are both possible
NIMH shows that people with eating disorders are more likely to be depressed or anxious, leading to a higher risk of suicide. Therefore, it is crucial to improve related symptoms through psychotherapy. In order to reduce binge eating or hunger strike behaviors, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients learn how to identify distorted or unhelpful thinking, and then improve their eating and behavioral patterns.
NIMH noted that previous research has shown that medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers may be helpful in treating eating disorders and other co-occurring mental illnesses, such as anxiety or depression. The public is urged to consult a psychiatrist or psychological counselor immediately if signs of eating disorders appear during the epidemic to further improve binge eating or hunger strike behavior and avoid damage to body organs and mental state.
source:
The hidden burden of eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on eating disorder risk and symptoms
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