Table 1 Characterization of the studies selected for analysis according to author and year of publication, objective, methodological design, sample, instruments, level of evidence (LE), and main results
From: Eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: scoping review of psychosocial impact
Author/year | Objective | Method/sample | Instruments | LE | Main results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baenas et al. (2020) [40] | Explore changes observed during the lockdown in people from European and Asian countries diagnosed with EDs | Quantitative; 829 people diagnosed with EDs (unspecified) recruited from a specialized service | COVID-19 Isolation Scale (CIES) | 2c | There was a worsening of ED symptoms in the sample, with variations according to the individual context, age and subtype |
Branley-Bell and Talbot (2020) [24] | Analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with EDs | Mixed; 129 people with EDs (unspecified), aged 16–5 years, 94% women, recruited online | Online questionnaire with open and closed questions | 2c | The changes imposed by the pandemic proved to be a risk for worsening ED symptoms, triggering feelings of loss of control, loneliness, and depressed mood |
Castellini et al. (2020) [28] | Assess the impact of COVID-19 on patients diagnosed with EDs | Longitudinal (before and during the lockdown); 74 patients with ED (AN-BN) recruited from a specialized service and 97 individuals in the control group | Online questionnaire with closed questions | 2b | Worsening of symptoms, such as increased compensatory behaviors and binge eating, as well as PTSD symptoms |
Clark Bryan et al. (2020) [33] | Assess how COVID-19 has impacted patients with AN and their parents/caregivers | Qualitative; 21 patients with AN and 28 family members recruited from a specialized service | Semi-structured interviews | 4 | Reduced access to health services, changes in routine, and higher anxiety levels were the most significant difficulties for patients and their families |
Fernández‐Aranda et al. (2020) [34] | Analyze symptomatological changes resulting from social isolation and patients’ acceptance of telemedicine | Quantitative; 121 patients with EDs (unspecified) recruited online | COVID Isolation Eating Scale (CIES) | 2c | Increased symptomatology of EDs during confinement. Patients with AN presented the most difficulty with telemedicine |
Machado et al. (2020) [25] | Analyze the impact of lockdown measures on a group of people with ED | Mixed; 102 patients with EDs (unspecified) recruited from a specialized service | Telephone interviews and questionnaire with closed questions | 2c | Participants felt that the pandemic had impacted their routines in terms of eating and exercising. Association between pandemic and increase in ED symptoms, impulsivity, and difficulty in emotional regulation |
McCombie et al. (2020) [38] | Understanding the psychological and behavioral processes of people with ED during the COVID-19 pandemic | Mixed; 32 people with ED (unspecified) recruited online | Online questionnaire with open questions | 2c | Worsening of ED symptoms related to social isolation, depressed mood, anxiety, routine disorganization, and use of social media |
Schlegl et al. (2020a) [29] | Explore the impacts of COVID-19 on patients with AN | Quantitative; 159 patients with AN recruited from a specialized service | Online questionnaire with closed questions | 2c | AN-related symptoms were used by patients as dysfunctional mechanisms to deal with the impact of the pandemic |
Schlegl et al. (2020b) [35] | Investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on patients with BN | Quantitative; 55 patients with BN recruited from a specialized service | Online questionnaire with closed questions | 2c | Patients reported an increase in the frequency of binge eating and purging, in addition to a worsening of their quality of life |
Termorshuizen et al. (2020) [30] | Assess the first impacts of COVID-19 on people with self-reported EDs | Mixed; 1021 people with self-reported ED (unspecified) recruited online | Online questionnaire with open and closed questions | 2c | COVID-19 was associated with increased anxiety and challenges related to managing ED symptoms, such as increased food restriction and binge episodes |
Albano et al. (2021) [39] | Understand the impact of the first wave of the pandemic on people with self-reported EDs | Mixed; 244 posts and 3603 comments posted by 1971 people (86% women) | Posts available on online forums | 4 | Increased anxiety, feelings of anger, and negativity related to emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal aspects |
Brown et al. (2021) [42] | Explore the impact of COVID-19 on people with EDs | Qualitative; 10 people with self-reported EDs (unspecified) recruited online. Age between 24 and 38 years | Interviews conducted online | 4 | The lockdown was perceived as a catalyst for ED symptoms by some participants and as a motivation to recover by others, depending on contextual variables |
Monteleone et al. (2021) [31] | Explore which factors contributed to the worsening of symptoms in patients with EDs during the pandemic | Quantitative; 320 people diagnosed with ED (unspecified), recruited from a specialized service | Online questionnaire | 2c | The following factors were relevant to the worsening of symptoms: weakened therapeutic relationship, isolation, and less social support |
Nisticò et al. (2021) [32] | Explore the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in people with ED compared to a control group of healthy people during the lockdown period | Longitudinal (6 months); 59 patients with EDs. (unspecified) and 47 (control group) recruited from a specialized service | Online questionnaire containing scales: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) | 1b | Patients with EDs experienced higher levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and the impact of the stressful event compared to the control group. They also had symptoms of PTSD |
Nutley et al. (2021) [36] | Characterize the perceptions of people with EDs about the influences of the pandemic on their symptoms | Qualitative; N unspecified | Search online forums | 4 | The impacts of COVID-19 on routine were associated with worsening mental health and increased symptoms of EDs. Virtual communities were used to seek help and support |
Spettigue et al. (2021) [26] | Examine characteristics of adolescents who developed EDs during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare them with those who already had symptoms a year earlier | Qualitative (documentary); 48 patients with ED (unspecified). Average age: 14.6 years | Patient charts and documents, such as clinical reports and medical records | 2c | People with EDs developed after the start of the pandemic showed greater medical instability and need for hospitalization compared to those who were already undergoing treatment before |
Springall et al. (2021) [37] | Explore the effect of the pandemic on adolescents with EDs | Qualitative (documentary); 457 patients with ED (unspecified) | Patient charts and documents, such as clinical reports and medical records | 2c | The restrictions imposed by the pandemic were considered triggers for EDs, demanding greater attention from the health team |
Vitagliano et al. (2021) [27] | Examine how people with EDs perceived the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic | Quantitative; 89 patients with ED (unspecified) recruited online | Online questionnaire with closed questions | 2c | Participants were concerned about the worsening of ED symptoms triggered by routine changes, as well as feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation |
Zeiler et al. (2021) [41] | Investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on patients with EDs | Qualitative; 13 AN patients (aged 13–18 years) and 10 family members recruited from a specialized service | Semi-structured interview | 4 | Changes in routine, evaluated as positive (more time available) and negative (lack of social support and interruption of treatment, less motivation to improve, uncertainty) stood out in the participants’ speeches |