Investigation of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Single-Center Study

Authors : Öznur Adıgüzel Akman, Hakan Kayış, Esra Bilici, Ceyda Bıyıklı, Hacer Arıkan, Elif Mumcu, Ezgi Özkan
Pages : 124-135
Doi:10.25048/tudod.1699401
View : 70 | Download : 72
Publication Date : 2025-08-31
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aim: This study aimed to investigate the frequency and distribution of psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with obesity, as well as to identify potential risk factors between disease severity and the development of psychiatric disorders in obese children. Material and Methods: The study included 87 cases. Of these, 60 cases diagnosed with obesity were referred to the Child Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic between 2024 and 2025 through the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Medicine; 28 were classified as obese and 32 as severely obese. In addition, 27 healthy children served as the control group. Sociodemographic data form, K-SADS-PL, Children\\\'s Depression Inventory (CDI), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were applied to the cases. Group differences were analyzed using an independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA, with post-hoc Tukey tests conducted when significant differences were observed. The relationships between the variables were examined with the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: Psychiatric comorbidities were found in 37% of children and adolescent cases with obesity. The diagnoses that appeared most frequently were ADHD (12.1%), depression (8.1%), and anxiety disorders (6.5%). A significant positive relationship was observed between BMI and depressive symptom severity (Spearman’s rho = 0.387, p <0.001). Quality of life scores were significantly lower in the children with obesity compared to controls. A family history of psychiatric illness was significantly associated with higher comorbidity rates (p <0.001). Conclusion: The elevated occurrence in children and adolescents with obesity highlights the importance of early diagnosis and integrated treatment approaches. Addressing co-occurring psychiatric disorders can improve treatment outcomes and enhance quality of life.
Keywords : obesite, çocuk, ergen, psikiyatrik komorbidite

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