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;
Paediatrics & Child Health
|January 5, 2010
Summary
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.
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