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. That compares to 121 the previous year.
In total 424 people had inpatient admissions in public hospitals for anorexia in 2021, up 79 per cent from 237 the previous year.
Eating disorders, especially anorexia, have the highest death rate of all mental illnesses.
Professor of psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, 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."
He says it's disappointing but it "might reflect more young people seeking help for what has been an under-recognised condition."
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