Disordered Eating/Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Adolescents faced pervasive and unique stressors in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. 47-50 These stressors were associated with a significant rise in the number of adolescents with EDs around the world and may have contributed to increased severity of presentation and longer hospital stays seen in the pandemic as well. 28-34,37 Treatment teams adapted quickly to virtual care, and while this is a promising model for delivery of ED treatment, it may not be effective for all patients, and an increase in the workforce of specialists with ED expertise will be necessary to meet the demands of this vulnerable population. 70-76 Given the acuity of these patients as well as the natural history of EDs, the health care system is likely to feel the effects of this pandemic-related rise in patient volume and severity for years to come.