Eating Disorders in Adolescents Exacerbated by COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

A recent study from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine has highlighted the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents with eating disorders (EDs). The research, published in Early Intervention in Psychiatry, uncovered a significant increase in suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, and self-harm behaviors among adolescents with EDs during the pandemic. The study analyzed data from 403 participants, showing that 27.8% reported self-harm behaviors, 34% reported suicidal ideation, and 10.2% reported suicidal attempts across all periods. The findings indicate a need for healthcare providers to be aware of the long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic on adolescents with EDs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated eating disorders in adolescents, leading to a significant increase in suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, and self-harm behaviors.
  • Among 403 participants, 27.8% reported self-harm behaviors, 34% reported suicidal ideation, and 10.2% reported suicidal attempts across all periods.
  • The prevalence of suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, and self-harm behaviors during the pandemic was assessed retrospectively using the HEEADSSS instrument.
  • The study found that the middle and late phases of the pandemic saw a significant increase in suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation among adolescents with EDs.
  • The research emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic on adolescents with EDs.
  • Eylem Serife Kalkan, Ayse Bilge Baklaci, Yelda Kilic, Melis Pehlivanturk Kizilkan, Orhan Derman, and Sinem Akgul were authors of the study, published in Early Intervention in Psychiatry.

Statistics:

  • 403 participants were included in the study.
  • 27.8% (112) of participants reported self-harm behaviors.
  • 34% (137) of participants reported suicidal ideation.
  • 10.2% (41) of participants reported suicidal attempts.
  • The study was published in Early Intervention in Psychiatry, a journal published by Wiley.

Sources:

  • Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine. (2025). Suicidal Behaviour in Adolescents With Eating Disorders: A Pandemic Timeline Comparison. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 19(10). Online Library: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1751-7893.
  • NewsRx. (2025). Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Reports Findings in Anorexia (Suicidal Behaviour in Adolescents With Eating Disorders: A Pandemic Timeline Comparison). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA, October 19, p 571.