Eating disorders: the pandemic has created the 'perfect storm'

The chaos generated by the pandemic has fueled a rise in eating disorders among boys and young men who are looking to create order in a time of disorder  

Picture: iStock 

When the pandemic struck, Niamh*, a mum based in the Leinster area, instinctively knew to keep a close eye on her son.

Now in his mid-teens, he had developed an eating disorder aged just 11. He’d spent nine months in treatment with Linn Dara Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). “It was family-based therapy, where the family unit is empowered to work together to help the person recover,” says Niamh.