The prevalence has already increased from 7,8% in 2019 to 10% in 2020, as a result of the pandemic. And it continues to rise. Of the 500 new cases this year, 350 have been adultss, of which 100 were considered very serious. For your part, the remaining 150 have been among minors. Furthermore, in the case of the latter, lThe waiting lists to enter have exceeded 15 young people.
From the Eating Disorder Association (TCA) of Aragon they denounce that in the two existing specific units (the Provincial one serves the elderly and the Clinical one serves minors), There are "major deficiencies" in terms of resources and facilities. This translates, they say, into a prolongation of the treatment of diseases that, in themselves, "in adolescents are suffered for a minimum of three years and can last up to eight in the most serious cases," they allege.
According to reports from this group, in the case of the Eating Disorders Unit of the Provincial Hospital there are four beds reserved for these pathologies, but only two are occupied. «There is a waiting list and There are two beds that are not being used. Nobody gives us reasons, They only tell us that they are yet to be inaugurated,” says Consuelo Alcalá, president of TCA Aragón and mother of a young woman who suffers from these pathologies.
Additionally, the unit carries since last May without a permanent psychologist. «Since September there has been a psychologist who consults for an hour and a half a week. "She is the only one there for the 350 new cases and for all those who were in treatment before," adds Alcalá.
In the case of this specialized care at the Clinic, the situation is not much better, according to the association. Here, cases have increased by 44% and "There are only two beds on the floor", they say. As they are "insufficient", four beds on the Pediatrics ward are being used. «The conditions are not what the patients need. They would have to remove the mirrors, have the bathrooms closed, a therapeutic dining room,” lists Noelia Mainar, member of the TCA Aragón board. «We do not have facilities or a dining room where patients can eat. With the Covid They have to do it in the nurse's office, individually and in shifts," he adds.
Day center that closes in "the most complicated times"
Furthermore, families report that, once discharged, the situation does not improve. «When they leave, the psychologist and psychiatrist see them once a month. Nutritionists, with a little luck, twice a year,” says Mainar.
In the case of the Provincial, there is also a day center with six places "that have had a waiting list throughout the year" and that They close both at Christmas and in summer. "Just the most complicated times for patients," says Alcalá.
Concern about referral of patients out of the community
One of the main complaints from family members is that patients are being referred to both private centers and those outside the community. In the last framework agreement signed by Health, worth 9 million euros, lots of patient care from Huesca, Zaragoza and Teruel were awarded. to centers in Madrid, Barcelona, Pontevedra and Tarragona. In addition, the care of the day center for minors was awarded to a center in Tarragona. «It is an unaffordable decision for families. ¿They expect me to take my daughter every day from Zaragoza to Tarragona and back? We don't understand it, especially when a center located in Zaragoza was submitted to the competition," says Noelia Mainar, mother of a patient.
In Huesca and Teruel, for their part, there are no specific or professional units that is specifically dedicated to treating eating disorders. The Department of Health of the Government of Aragon contemplates, in the 2022 budgets, a framework agreement on child and adolescent mental health that will be endowed with 1,6 million euros to finance a long-term residence for this specific care. Health sources also point out that the beds will be increased: six more in the Clinic and four in Servet Psychiatry. In addition, remember that entry is not necessary in all cases.
