September 28, 2022
The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) indicates the pandemic was a precipitating factor in the development of anorexia nervosa in 49% of children and adolescents studied. More than 90% of reported cases were female, with 66% of cases in teens aged 14-17 years and the remainder in adolescents aged 11-13 years. In 37% of cases, the reporting physician identified the pandemic as precipitating the anorexia-related hospitalization. Experts say the isolation due to school closures and negative social media messages created the perfect storm for eating disorders in adolescents and teenagers because of higher rates of anxiety and depression.