Exploring the ways in which COVID-19 and lockdown has affected the lives of adult patients with anorexia nervosa and their carers

TY - JOUR

T1 - Exploring the ways in which COVID-19 and lockdown has affected the lives of adult patients with anorexia nervosa and their carers

AU - Clark Bryan, Danielle

AU - Macdonald, Pamela

AU - Ambwani, Suman

AU - Cardi, Valentina

AU - Rowlands, Katie

AU - Willmott, Daniel

AU - Treasure, Janet

PY - 2020/11/1

Y1 - 2020/11/1

N2 - Objective: This qualitative study explores the ways in which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated lockdown measures have affected the lives of adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their carers. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with AN (n = 21) and carers (n = 28) from the start of UK Government imposed lockdown. Data related directly to the impact of lockdown and COVID-19 were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four broad themes were identified for patients and carers separately. Patients experienced: 1. reduced access to eating disorder (ED) services; 2. disruption to routine and activities in the community; 3. heightened psychological distress and ED symptoms; 4. increased attempts at self-management in recovery. Carer themes included: 1. concern over provision of professional support for patients; 2. increased practical demands placed on carers in lockdown; 3. managing new challenges around patient wellbeing; 4. new opportunities. Conclusions: Reduced access to ED services, loss of routine and heightened anxieties and ED symptoms resulting from COVID-19 and lockdown measures presented challenges for patients and carers. Increased remote support by ED services enabled the continuation of treatment and self-management resources and strategies promoted self-efficacy in both groups.

AB - Objective: This qualitative study explores the ways in which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated lockdown measures have affected the lives of adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their carers. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with AN (n = 21) and carers (n = 28) from the start of UK Government imposed lockdown. Data related directly to the impact of lockdown and COVID-19 were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four broad themes were identified for patients and carers separately. Patients experienced: 1. reduced access to eating disorder (ED) services; 2. disruption to routine and activities in the community; 3. heightened psychological distress and ED symptoms; 4. increased attempts at self-management in recovery. Carer themes included: 1. concern over provision of professional support for patients; 2. increased practical demands placed on carers in lockdown; 3. managing new challenges around patient wellbeing; 4. new opportunities. Conclusions: Reduced access to ED services, loss of routine and heightened anxieties and ED symptoms resulting from COVID-19 and lockdown measures presented challenges for patients and carers. Increased remote support by ED services enabled the continuation of treatment and self-management resources and strategies promoted self-efficacy in both groups.

KW - anorexia nervosa

KW - carers

KW - COVID-19

KW - eating disorders

KW - qualitative research

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85087703139&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1002/erv.2762

DO - 10.1002/erv.2762

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85087703139

SN - 1072-4133

VL - 28

SP - 826

EP - 835

JO - European Eating Disorders Review

JF - European Eating Disorders Review

IS - 6

ER -