Five Years Post-Pandemic: Youth Show Signs of Eating Disorders and Social Anxiety

Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many children and adolescents continue to feel the lasting effects of the restrictions that were put in place. Reports indicate a worrying increase in mental health issues, including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders among young people.

One notable case involves a 17-year-old girl named Anna, who experienced a rapid weight loss of ten kilograms within weeks, along with persistent coldness, hair loss, and numbness in her feet. Her mother recounted how Anna had always been slim but became alarmingly thin during this period, leading to a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa after seeking help from a pediatric psychiatric clinic.

According to experts, the most common mental health issues observed in youth today are eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders. Christine Freitag, a member of the board of the German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy (DGKJP), emphasized that developmental issues--including reduced fine motor skills and diminished language and concentration abilities--remain significant challenges for younger children who missed out on early schooling and social interactions.

Statistics reveal a troubling rise in hospital admissions for eating disorders, particularly among younger demographics. Research indicates that hospitalizations for anorexia have surged by 42% among girls aged 9 to 14 and by 25% among adolescents aged 15 to 19 when comparing 2023 to 2019. The data, derived from a study involving approximately 2.5 million insured individuals, underscores a broader trend of increasing mental health challenges among young people, leading to more psychiatric and psychosomatic treatment requirements.

The World Health Organization categorizes anorexia nervosa as one of the most dangerous mental health disorders for children and teenagers, with symptoms that can include low blood pressure, digestive issues, and severe nutritional deficiencies. While early intervention through therapy can be effective, severe cases often necessitate hospitalization.

Experts suggest that the pandemic significantly impacted children, leading to heightened feelings of isolation. Younger children, in particular, have been noted to suffer more acutely from the loss of social interaction and extracurricular activities. In addition, the psychological strain experienced by parents during the pandemic likely exacerbated stress levels in children. Increased social media consumption during this period has also contributed to the proliferation of harmful body image ideals and pressures to conform to unrealistic standards.

Recognizing early signs of eating disorders is crucial. Changes in dietary habits, such as adopting strict vegan or vegetarian diets, or expressing dissatisfaction with one's appearance despite weight loss, should raise concerns. Atypical cases of anorexia, where individuals lose weight despite not being significantly overweight, are also on the rise and can lead to serious psychological and physical health issues.

In addition to eating disorders, many young people are grappling with unspecified eating conditions that, while not fitting specific diagnostic criteria, still pose health risks. Approximately 15% of children and adolescents are classified as overweight, with an additional 5% categorized as obese, which can lead to serious health complications like diabetes and hypertension.

Anxiety disorders and depression remain prevalent issues within this demographic, with estimates suggesting that 5% to 7% of children and adolescents are affected. Common manifestations include separation anxiety and excessive worry about parental safety. The lasting effects of disrupted socialization during school closures have left many young people struggling to interact socially, leading to chronic anxiety problems.

While depressive symptoms appear to be returning to pre-pandemic levels, the absence of social contact and physical activity during lockdowns has led to increased feelings of lethargy, sadness, and dissatisfaction. As schools and recreational activities reopen, there are signs of gradual improvement.

Anna's journey illustrates the ongoing struggles faced by many. Although she has regained a normal weight and her menstrual cycle has returned, her relationship with food remains complex, requiring regular monitoring and therapeutic support. The fear of relapse looms large as she continues to navigate her recovery.