Verona: 600 patients with Eating Disorders treated in 2024, approximately 16% of patients are under 14 years old

The wish of Giuseppe Imperadore, director of the Mental Health Department of Aulss9 Scaligera, was proposed in the focus of the 5th Council Commission on prevention and information on a phenomenon that is increasingly widespread after the pandemic and which is characterized by an ever-increasing coexistence of eating disorders and psychiatric illnesses. 600 patients with eating disorders treated in 2024 from the Center for Eating Disorders of the Integrated University Hospital of Verona located in Borgo Roma. The Fifth Council Commission of the Municipality of Verona has created a focus on the complex relationship between eating disorders, psychiatric illnesses and the importance of prevention in the family and school environment.

“A very delicate topic and still little recognized and addressed for this reason it is necessary to contribute to raising awareness by informing families in a widespread way. This is where this focus comes from – explains the councilor for Health, education and school policies, Elisa La Paglia, – on which, together with the president of the 5th council commission, Chiara Stella and councilor Anna Maria Molino, delegated by the Mayor to the Italian Healthy Cities Network Association WHO. Already in its time, by participating in the World Eating Disorders Day we had given space to this theme, also collaborating with schools, the Stimate in particular. In Verona we can count on the presence of centers of excellence and very competent public territorial services; therefore, this type of investigation seemed necessary to us given that the taking charge treatment and prevention of these types of disorders is increasingly urgent given the post-Covid dynamics, especially in the younger age group, the one most at risk".

Preventing eating disorders is essential to break the cycle of suffering and promote well-being. Intervening early, especially during adolescence, when these disorders occur more frequently, can make a difference. Family and school play a crucial role in this process., offering a protective environment and promoting the development of a healthy body image and a balanced relationship with food.

“Disorders such as restriction, binge eating, self-induced vomiting, have a serious impact on both physical and psychological health. They are numerous and begin in childhood. – adds the head of the Center for Eating Disorders at the Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Rosa Bruna Dall'Agnola – about 16% of patients are under the age of 14. With the pandemic there has been a lowering of the age of onset, a 40% increase in cases and also in the severity of symptoms, as well as psychiatric comorbidity. These are disorders that significantly increase the risk of premature death. The regional center of Verona located in Borgo Roma provides the outpatient treatment service. Since May of last year, also in day hospital. Despite the increase in cases and the large number of cases that we follow We know that only a small portion of people who suffer from these disorders access our care. Often, the symptoms are not recognized by the family or by the doctor, not only because of a lack of information, but also because of the nature of these disorders that leads to denial and a certain ambivalence towards treatment".

Eating disorders represent a complex mental health problem that also results in a higher incidence of psychiatric illnesses. as highlighted by the director of the Mental Health Department of Aulss9 Scaligera, Giuseppe Imperadore.

"The co-presence of Dca with another psychiatric pathology - has explained Emperor - is statistically increasingly significant and is difficult to treat. Therefore, the network is fundamental for simultaneous patient care between our department and that of the Aoui Scaligero Hospital Center. Within this network, however, the child neuropsychiatry as the age of onset of disorders is increasingly lower, especially for girls. It is difficult to manage multiple subjects in the treatment of a single patient, but it is the only system to address the patient's treatment more effectively".