The past 6 months or so have definitely not been easy for anyone. Between the normal ebs and flows of day to day life, we are fatiguing from a pandemic and throw in political unrest into the mix for good measure. it’s the perfect storm!
How we’ve been managing.
What we do know is that the stress of the pandemic (and other catalysts) has definitely led to increased presentations of mental health issues. How could it not? The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) reports that it experienced a 75% uptick in call volume to help lines in March and April, even as of September an 70% increase still stands (Loudin, 2020).
Eating disorders thrive in isolation - something that’s been forced upon us by COVID 19. One study, surveyed 1,000 individuals in the U.S. and the Netherlands. In the U.S., 62% reported increased food restriction and meal plan worries during the initial COVID-19 pandemic, similar to 69% in the Netherlands (Termorshuizen et al, 2020). Individuals also noted worries about relapse and increased anxiety. There was a silver lining however - this survey results also revealed an appreciation for telemedicine and more time for self-care.
Just released this past week
A big step in research for those in the eating disorder rhelm. Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill hope to take a closer look at genetics, looking to evaluate why some people are at higher risk for developing an eating disorder. This month - they will launch the largest genetic research study ever done to uncover genes that may predispose some to anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge-eating disorder (BED). The group aims to enroll 6,000 people - ages 18 and older who have had first hand experience with eating disorders to help. The study is called the Eating Disorders Initiative. It follows a program called the Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative - which revealed both psychiatric and metabolic origins of anorexia. This study identified eight regions on the genome that are associated with the illness (Hall, 2020).
How will this be tested? Researchers will analyze DNA from saliva samples to look at genetic makeup. Variants will be studied from those who have a history of an ED diagnosis and those who haven’t to find differences amongst the genes. Those in the ED community are hopeful that if anything this information can help provide answers to some who have been in and out of treatment for many years. Ultimately, the goal is to provide effective treatment and eventually prevention in this arena. For those who are interested in joining this study, have clients who may be interested or learning more you can visit here.
While this continues to be a trying time for those with eating disorders, emerging research continues to shine the light of hope for those in treatment. Integrated Eating stands strong in our committment to Eating disorder recovery. We are here and we are with you.
References:
https://www.today.com/health/perfect-storm-why-covid-19-has-made-it-harder-people-t192796