Assessment and management of anorexia nervosa during COVID-19. (21st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walsh, O.; McNicholas, F.
• Editors: Gavin, Blanaid; Lyne, John; McNicholas, Fiona
• Is Part Of: Irish journal of psychological medicine. Volume 37:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 2020-09-21
• Subjects: Anorexia nervosa, -- COVID-19, -- SIMPLE, -- standardised care; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2020.60
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-9667

Abstract

Abstract : Management of the high rates of medical and psychiatric complications, including self-harm and suicide, associated with anorexia nervosa requires regular clinical review. However, during the current pandemic, face-to-face clinical assessments carry the risk of infection and transmission in this vulnerable cohort already compromised by low weight and lowered immunity. This paper describes how one service has had to adapt usual care during the COVID-19 pandemic without contributing excessively to carer burden or compromising patient safety.