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Assessment of Self Perception and Psychiatric Symptoms in Obese Children and Adolescents
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Original Article
VOLUME: 47 ISSUE: 3
P: 32-35
2014

Assessment of Self Perception and Psychiatric Symptoms in Obese Children and Adolescents

Acta Haematol Oncol Turc 2014;47(3):32-35
DOI: 10.5505/aot.2014.20592
Emel Sarı Gökten
Yeşim Taneli
1. Sevket Yilmaz Training And Research Hospital, Bursa, Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry
2. Uludag University, School Of Medicine, Bursa, Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry
3.
No information available.
No information available
Received Date: 2014-12-12T20:02:33
Accepted Date: 2015-02-27T10:06:54
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Although several studies have documented the existence of psychopathology in obese children and adolescents, disagreement remains regarding the extent and nature of this psychopathology. This study aimed to investigate self perception and psychiatric symptoms in obese children and adolescents aged between 9 and 18 years old.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 47 patients admitted to the outpatient unit of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics at the Uludag University School of Medicine. Psychological assessment was performed using a semi-structured psychiatric interview, The Piers–Harris Children's Self–Concept Scale, Kovacs Depression Scale for Children, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and Multi–Dimensional Body–Self Relations Questionaire.

RESULTS

Fortyseven patients (26 girls and 21 boys) were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 13,1±2,63 years (9-18). Mean results showed that state anxiety was higher in the more obese (BMI>30; p<0,05) but did not differ for gender or being a child or adolescent (p>0,05); and that trait anxiety and depression did not differ for degree of obesity, gender or being a child or adolescent (p>0,05). Ratio of pathologically high depression, state or trait anxiety did not differ for degree of obesity, gender or being a child or adolescent (p>0,05). Self-concept results showed that the more obese (BMI>30; p<0,05) and adolescents (p<0,01) regarded themselves as more popular, and that girls had a more positive self-concept in the scholastic field (p<0,01). Body-self relation did not differ by degree of obesity (p>0.05), whereas girls (p<0,01) and adolescents (p<0,05) were more preoccupied with appearance and in addition girls (p<0,05) were more preoccupied with health.

CONCLUSION

The results do not support previously published reports which show a higher ratio of psychopathology (depression, behavioral problems, low-esteem) among obese children and adolescents treatment-seeking.