Psychiatric treatment: A risk factor for obesity?
Cara F Dosman1, Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan, Debra Andrews
1Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta;
Insights
Children in psychiatric treatment show higher rates of obesity and weight concerns compared to the general population. Regular monitoring of growth parameters is crucial for this vulnerable group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Child Psychiatry
- Growth Monitoring
Background:
- Children with psychiatric diagnoses often experience co-occurring physical health issues.
- Understanding physical growth in this population is essential for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate physical growth parameters in children undergoing psychiatric treatment.
- To identify the prevalence of atypical growth patterns, including obesity and abnormal head circumference.
Main Methods:
- Chart review of 34 children (6-12 years) in psychiatric inpatient care.
- Analysis of growth parameters plotted on standard growth curves.
- Calculation of obesity, weight percentiles, stature, and head circumference abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Significant prevalence of obesity (11.8%) and high weight percentiles (23.5% at or above 95th).
- Elevated head circumference (14.7% macrocephaly, 79.4% above 50th percentile) noted.
- No significant association found between higher weight and psychotropic medication type.
Conclusions:
- Children in inpatient psychiatric settings exhibit higher weight compared to typical peers.
- Monitoring growth parameters is a critical aspect of pediatric psychiatric care.
- Guidelines for obesity prevention and intervention are needed for this high-risk population.
Background:
People with psychiatric diagnoses have increased physical health difficulties.
Objectives:
To examine the physical growth parameters documented in children receiving psychiatric treatment.
Methods:
A chart review was performed on consecutive paediatric consultations in 1997 and 1998 on 34 children six to 12 years of age admitted to an intermediate-stay psychiatric inpatient service. Growth parameters of each child were plotted on standard growth curves. The prevalence of obesity (body mass index at or above the 95th percentile), absolute weight at or above the 95th and 50th percentiles, underweight status, tall and short stature, macrocephaly and microcephaly were calculated. The prevalence of atypical findings was compared with the expected prevalence of typical growth parameters in the general population. Risk factors for atypical growth parameters were recorded. An association between weight and specific medication use was explored.
Results:
It was found that 11.8% of the children were obese. It was also found that 23.5% of the children had weight at or above the 95th percentile, 79.3% had weight at or above the 50th percentile, 14.7% had macrocephaly and 79.4% had a head circumference above the 50th percentile; these results were statistically significant. The mean number of psychotropic medications prescribed was 6.4, although there was no significant association between higher weight and current medication type.
Conclusions:
Children receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment were more likely to have higher weight than typical children. Monitoring growth parameters is an important component of the paediatric care of children with psychiatric diagnoses. Guidelines are required for obesity prevention and intervention in the context of the risk factors experienced by this high risk population.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Binge Eating Disorders
01:24Obesity
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
01:26Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents