Abstract
BackgroundA growing body of evidence is suggesting a significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and population-level mental health. Study findings suggest that individuals with a lifetime history of disordered eating behavior may be negatively affected by COVID-19–related anxiety, and prevention measures may disrupt daily functioning and limit access to treatment. However, data describing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behaviors are limited, and most findings focus on individuals in treatment settings.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to characterize the experiences of Reddit users worldwide who post in eating disorder (ED)–related discussion forums describing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on their overall mental health and disordered eating behavior.MethodsData were collected from popular subreddits acknowledging EDs as their primary discussion topic. Unique discussion posts dated from January 1 to May 31, 2020 that referenced the COVID-19 pandemic were extracted and evaluated using inductive, thematic data analysis.ResultsSix primary themes were identified: change in ED symptoms, change in exercise routine, impact of quarantine on daily life, emotional well-being, help-seeking behavior, and associated risks and health outcomes. The majority of users reported that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health prevention measures negatively impacted their psychiatric health and contributed to increased disordered eating behaviors. Feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety were common. Many individuals used Reddit forums to share personal experiences, seek advice, and offer shared accountability.ConclusionsReddit discussion forums have provided a therapeutic community for individuals to share experiences and provide support for peers with ED during a period of increased psychiatric distress. Future research is needed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behavior and to evaluate the role of social media discussion forums in mental health treatment, especially during periods of limited treatment access.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily living on a global scale, impacting people’s routines, living environments, and physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Symptoms of anxiety and depression, insomnia, and distress are exacerbated among those vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure, such as frontline health care workers [4,5]. Those at lower risk for adverse outcomes have reported increased mental health burden resulting from global prevention measures implemented to reduce COVID-19 transmission
We identified 33 relevant posts from 33 unique users in r/AnorexiaNervosa, 180 posts from 172 users in r/BingeEatingDisorder, and 92 relevant posts from r/EatingDisorders that were published between January 1 and May 31, 2020
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily living on a global scale, impacting people’s routines, living environments, and physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Symptoms of anxiety and depression, insomnia, and distress are exacerbated among those vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure, such as frontline health care workers [4,5] Those at lower risk for adverse outcomes have reported increased mental health burden resulting from global prevention measures implemented to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Study findings suggest that individuals with a lifetime history of disordered eating behavior may be negatively affected by COVID-19–related anxiety, and prevention measures may disrupt daily functioning and limit access to treatment. Future research is needed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behavior and to evaluate the role of social media discussion forums in mental health treatment, especially during periods of limited treatment access
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