Comorbidity between obesity and diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: case report

Obesity is now reaching epidemic proportions in the pediatric population worldwide. Previous studies have reported associations between child overweight and some features of psychopathology as depressive symptoms, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and low self-esteem. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorder which affects 5-10% of school age children worldwide. Although somewhat overlooked in the past, in recent years studies have focused on the relationship between ADHD and obesity. A 12-year-old male patient was referred to a child endocrinology outpatient clinic with his parents because of obesity complaint. The patient, who was diagnosed as having probable ADHD after the evaluation of the questionnaire filled out by his parents, was invited to the child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic for further evaluation. ADHD was determined according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, information obtained from his parents and teacher. Additionally, sociodemographic form, the Conners Parents Rating Scale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were administered. Understanding the underlying pathological mechanisms would highlight the relation between ADHD and obesity could be beneficial about treatment and managing outcomes.