Before the pandemic, Basma O’Neill’s 15-year-old daughter was lean but healthy, with a robust appetite.
But after the coronavirus pandemic hit and schools closed in Graham, Wash., her daughter spent most of her time alone in her room. She wore pajamas and sweats, and ate at different times than her family.
She was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in January; by February her weight was 86 pounds, down from around 118 pounds.
“I 100% believe the social isolation from the pandemic triggered the eating disorder,” Ms. O’Neill said.
Experts across the country who treat eating disorders in adolescents and young adults say they are seeing unprecedented demand for treatment that arose during the pandemic. Inpatient units have doubled or tripled capacity, wait lists for residential programs and outpatient services are months long, and the patients coming in are sicker than ever.