Mental health of children and young people with pre-existing eating problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The study sought to explore mental health trajectories of children and young people (CYP) who retrospectively reported eating problems prior to the pandemic, over a 2-year period (2021-23). Given the rapid increase in eating disorder presentations during the pandemic, these CYP may be particularly susceptible to pandemic-related challenges, including social and functional restrictions.

Methods

Data on 2023 CYP from the Children and Young People with Long COVID (CLoCk) study recruited Jan-March 2021 who completed questionnaires at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-months post SARS-CoV-2 PCR-testing were analysed. Associations between baseline eating problems (N = 241) and emotional and behavioural symptoms (measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) total diff

SUBMITTER: Lee J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12479571 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature