Abstract Objective The COVID‐19 pandemic might pose special challenges to patients with eating disorders (EDs) by interfering with daily routines. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the current pandemic on patients with bulimia nervosa (BN). Methods Fifty‐five former inpatients with BN completed an online survey on psychological consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic as well as on changes in health care utilisation and on the use and helpfulness of different coping strategies. Results Almost half of patients (49%) reported a deterioration of their ED symptomatology and 62% reported a reduced quality of life. The frequency of binge eating increased in 47% of patients and self‐induced vomiting in 36%. Forty‐six percent of patients stated a noticeable impairment of psychotherapy. Face‐to‐face psychotherapy decreased by 56% but videoconferencing therapy was only used by 22% of patients. Enjoyable activities, virtual social contacts with friends and mild physical activities were rated as the most helpful coping strategies among those most used. Discussion Approximately one half to two‐thirds of former inpatients with BN experienced a negative impact of the crisis on their ED symptomatology and quality of life. In challenging times when face‐to‐face therapy options are restricted, e‐health treatments such as videoconferencing therapy should be considered to ensure continuity of care. Highlights During the COVID‐19 pandemic one‐third to half of patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) reported an increase in their bulimic symptomatology. Furthermore, depressive symptoms, general psychopathology, quality of life and therapy in patients with BN were negatively affected. The utilisation rate of e‐mental health interventions during the crisis was rather low. The most useful coping strategies (among those most used) were enjoyable activities, virtual social contacts with friends and mild physical activities.
【저자키워드】 Health care utilisation, coping strategies, COVID‐19 pandemic, Relapse, bulimia nervosa, symptom deterioration, 【초록키워드】 Treatment, pandemic, therapy, physical activity, Intervention, COVID‐19, Deterioration, Depressive symptoms, Health, Patient, Mild, Quality of life, Psychological, Care, patients, Frequency, Coping strategy, Inpatient, activities, social contact, vomiting, disorder, impairment, objective, physical, consequence, Result, reported, reduced, changes in, increase in, bulimia, negatively affected, 【제목키워드】 COVID, Inpatient,