Big surge in eating disorder referrals during Covid-19 lockdown

Experts said that almost half of the eating disorder referrals seen during the pandemic came in the last three months of 2020 to just one adolescent service. File picture: PA

Eating disorder services and GPs around Ireland reported a large increase in eating disorders during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in the final months of 2020, according to psychiatrists from the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.

Eating disorders are complex conditions which impact a person's attitudes and behaviours in relation to food. They have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric issue.