Eating disorders in adolescents: what impact the pandemic has on outpatient care?

Introduction: COVID-19 lockdowns negatively affected adolescents with Eating Disorders. Objective: assess the impact of the pandemic on the follow-up of these adolescents Methods: A retrospective, analytical study. Three groups were defined: control group (G0) – follow-up and discharge prior to the pandemic; group 1 (G1) – follow-up before and during the pandemic; group 2 (G2) – follow-up after the onset of the pandemic. Results: A total of 120 adolescents were included, with females being the most represented. Up until 2020, there were 7 cases per year, increasing to 14 cases annually thereafter. The average percentile of Body Mass Index (BMI) at presentation was 35.5 for G0, 39.8 for G1, and 22.8 for G2, with significant differences between G1 and G2. In terms of weight reduction, a loss of 15% was observed in G0, 15% in G1, and 11% in G2, with a statistically significant difference between G1 and G2 (p=0.011). The time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and the first consultation was 7, 9, and 8 months in G0, G1, and G2, respectively. Among those who were followed prior to the pandemic, 49% lost follow-up during the pandemic. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was observed regarding the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and referral for consultation when comparing the various groups. Follow-up in child and adolescent psychiatry during the pandemic experienced a negative impact. Although the progression was favourable, it was statistically less favourable for those who were under follow-up and experienced the "interference" of the pandemic.