Eating disorders among under-18s soared in lockdown, psychiatrists warn Referrals for eating disorders increased in lockdown, according to new data (Gareth Fuller/PA) The number of children and young people with an eating disorder has soared to “crisis” point during lockdown, a psychiatry body has warned. The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) in Scotland said figures obtained through Freedom of Information show there were 217 referrals for eating disorders in children and young people under the age of 18 in 2018/19. This increased to 456 in 2019/20 and in 2020/21 almost tripled on the earlier figure to 615 referrals. RCPsych in Scotland said an emphasis on virtual appointments, loss of support structures, staffing shortages and less access to community services because of Covid-19 has fuelled the crisis.