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Psychological crises after Corona: Children suffer greatly from eating disorders!
Five years after Corona, there is an increase in mental illnesses among children, including eating disorders and depression.
Psychological crises after Corona: Children suffer greatly from eating disorders!
The health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are increasingly becoming apparent among children and young people in Germany. Doctors are reporting an increase in mental illnesses, particularly eating disorders, depression and anxiety, five years after the first lockdown. An impressive example is 17-year-old Anna, who lost around ten kilograms of weight within a few weeks and showed symptoms such as freezing, hair loss and numbness. Anna was admitted to a child and adolescent psychiatry clinic due to a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.
Christine Freitag from the German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (DGKJP) emphasizes that eating disorders, depression and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses among young people. In addition, observations show that developmental disorders such as reduced fine motor skills and poorer speech and concentration skills are increasing. The number of inpatient admissions of young anorexics between the ages of 9 and 19 has increased significantly; In particular, admissions for 9- to 14-year-old girls increased by 42% in 2023 compared to 2019, while for 15- to 19-year-old adolescents this increase was 25%. An extrapolation by the Scientific Association for Child and Adolescent Medicine (VdEK) suggests that more young patients under the age of 18 were treated as inpatients in 2023 than in 2019. Anorexia nervosa is considered one of the most dangerous mental illnesses for this age group.
Mental health problems and their causes
Symptoms of anorexia can include low blood pressure, abdominal discomfort, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal changes. Children in particular suffered from the restrictions during the pandemic, which led to an increased incidence of eating disorders. In addition, increased consumption of social media may have contributed to the development of such diseases. Early detection of anorexia nervosa is crucial; Changes in diet and dissatisfied comments about one's appearance should be taken seriously by parents and caregivers. Atypical anorexia and non-specific eating disorders are also common.
In addition, the COPSY longitudinal study, led by Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer and Dr. Anne Kaman at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents in Germany. The aim of the study is to identify factors influencing mental health in times of crisis and to develop prevention and intervention approaches. The first nationwide COPSY survey was carried out between May and June 2020 and surveyed over 1,000 children and young people and 1,500 parents. The topics included dealing with crisis situations, school, friendships, family, psychological problems, health complaints, family environment and media consumption, such as UKE.de.