TY  - JOUR
AB  - Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions have been linked to a general exacerbation of mental health symptoms, particularly within the spectrum of Eating Disorders (ED). While many studies report a worsening of symptoms, the specific impact on meal-related anxiety in clinical settings remains to be fully elucidated. 
Aim: This study aims to describe the trajectory of pre-dinner anxiety in a small cohort of adolescent patients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) across three phases: before, during, and after the national lockdown in Italy. 
Methods: A self-report tool, the "Thermometer of Discomfort," was used to assess anxiety levels in patients attending the Day Hospital (DH) treatment program at the Hospital of Vicenza between March 2020 and September 2020. Summary measures and percentage/rank changes were calculated for each patient across the three periods. Finally, a focus group was conducted to discuss the results with patients and gather their qualitative perspectives. 
Results: 71.4% of patients reported a decrease in discomfort during the lockdown, while 57.1% experienced a subsequent increase in anxiety once the restrictions ended. During the focus group, almost all participants confirmed that their anxiety was lower during the lockdown period compared to the phases before or after. 
Conclusion: Contrary to general trends, these patients showed a reduction in pre-dinner anxiety during the lockdown. The reduction in social exposure and the avoidance of external triggers may have acted as transitory protective factors. Furthermore, the continuation of Day Hospital care (continuity of care) likely played a crucial role in maintaining this stability.
AU  - Enrico, Ceccato
AU  - Stefania, Zanin
AU  - Laura, Merlino
AU  - Chiara, Bonetto
AU  - Alessandra, Sala
DO  - 10.32044/ijedo.2026.05
KW  - Eating Disorder
Covid-19
Anxiety
Lockdown
Anorexia Nervosa
Day Hospital
L1  - internal-pdf://3656705328/202605.pdf
LA  - English
M3  - Original article
PY  - 2026
SE  - 23
SP  - 8
ST  - Reduction of pre-dinner anxiety in a group of adolescent patients with Anorexia Nervosa attending a Day Hospital treatment programme during lockdown due of COVID-19 in Italy: An observational study
T2  - IJEDO
TI  - Reduction of pre-dinner anxiety in a group of adolescent patients with Anorexia Nervosa attending a Day Hospital treatment programme during lockdown due of COVID-19 in Italy: An observational study
VL  - 8
ID  - 8
ER  -