Research

Trends in Eating Disorder and Self-harm Incidence Rates Since Covid-19

2 mins read Health Mental health Mental Health
Researchers from Keele University, the University of Manchester, University of Exeter and mental health research charity The McPin Foundation wanted to explore rates of self-harm and eating disorders in the two years following the onset of the pandemic.
The Covid-19 crisis has been linked to a deterioration in young people’s mental health. Picture: Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock
The Covid-19 crisis has been linked to a deterioration in young people’s mental health. Picture: Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock

Self-harm and eating disorders are coping mechanisms that often indicate underlying psychological distress. Both tend to start in adolescence or early adulthood and are more common among girls than boys. They have multiple risk factors in common, including experience of trauma. One study found more than half of patients with a history of self-harm also had an eating disorder while prevalence of self-harm among patients with eating disorders was estimated to be between 25 and 55 per cent.

The Covid-19 crisis has been linked to a deterioration in young people’s mental health. Researchers from Keele University, the University of Manchester, University of Exeter and mental health research charity The McPin Foundation wanted to explore rates of self-harm and eating disorders in the two years following the onset of the pandemic.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this