The number of children under 16 who were hospitalised with anorexia almost doubled last year.
According to freedom of information figures, 237 had inpatient admissions in public hospitals in 2021, compared to only 121 the previous year.
Eating disorders, especially anorexia, have the highest death rate of all mental illnesses.
Professor of psychiatry Brendan Kelly, says the spike in hospitalisations is probably linked to the Covid pandemic:
"We saw an increase in certain kinds of mental illness and mental disorders during the pandemic, but particularly eating disorders and anorexia nervosa among young people. So it's disappointing to see this, but it might reflect more young people seeking help for what has been an underrecognized condition."
