The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial differences among obese pediatric patients, particularly those who are “extremely obese” as compared to “obese.” Information was collected ...for 249 subjects at a multidisciplinary treatment clinic for obese youth. A battery of measures was administered and demographic data and height/weight was obtained. The results showed positive correlations between degree of obesity, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Specifically, the “extremely obese” were significantly more depressed, more socially anxious, and had poorer quality of life than the “obese” group. Girls and Caucasians were more socially anxious than boys and African Americans, respectively. There is mounting evidence that children and adolescents who are extremely obese are most at risk for psychiatric and medical disorders. Thus, targeting this group for assessment and/or designing treatment options specific for “extremely obese” youth is critical for the successful management of this population.
The current study utilized archival data collection in order to examine a hospitalized population of female adolescents with the comorbid presentation of PTSD and a Depressive Disorder. To highlight ...developmental differences, a group of younger and older adolescents within the primary group of interest were also analyzed. A broad range of variables in the domains of psychosocial factors, clinical presentation, and overall functioning were examined. Discriminant analysis showed that younger female adolescents (12-15.5 years of age) had significantly longer lengths of inpatient stays and were more likely to demonstrate physically aggressive behavior. Older (16-17 years of age) female adolescents were significantly more likely to use marijuana and had been prescribed a significantly larger number of antidepressants prior to the current admission. Participants with comorbid PTSD and Depressive Disorders had an increased number of flashbacks and anxiety symptoms as would be expected with the clinical presentation. This group also had significantly greater residential treatment by history. A comparison group of adolescent females with a diagnosis of a Depressive Disorder and a history of abuse had increased feelings of hopelessness/helplessness suggesting some of the depressive symptomology in this group to be more severe. In addition, the comparison group also had more difficulty with academic functioning as evidenced by poor grades. However, similarities between groups were more prevalent that differences. It appears that for this particular sample of hospitalized female adolescents, an abuse history is a particularly salient factor regardless of a PTSD diagnosis and may represent the commonality between groups.
