Phillipou A, Tan EJ, Toh WL, et al. - Generally, a similar pattern of psychological symptoms was recorded for non-eating disorder (ED) and ED groups throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, significantly poorer mental health status was recorded for the ED group vs the non-ED group. There were exacerbations in some symptoms (ie, increased food restriction and depressive symptoms) which is a cause for concern.

• Across monthly time points from April to September 2020, comparison of data from 4,915 respondents – 231 with an ED history – was done on psychological symptoms.

• The ED group showed increased mental health symptoms, but generally there was no difference in the pattern of symptoms reported over time when compared with the non-ED group.

• The second wave/lockdown linked with an increase in depressive symptoms and restrictive eating behaviors, as well as a decrease in hopefulness and quality of life, in both the groups.

• During the second wave of the virus, respondents in both groups also described worse coping compared with the first wave.