Psychiatric Co-morbidities and Body Shape Dissatisfaction in Adolescents with Obesity - A School Based Case Controlled Study

Global Prevalence of Social Anxiety Disorder in Children, Adolescents and Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Social anxiety disorder is a prevalent mental health condition that significantly impairs social interactions, academic performance, and professional functioning in children, adolescents, and youth. This study aimed to investigate the global prevalence of social anxiety disorder across these developmental stages. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar) were systematically searched for studies related to the prevalence of social anxiety disorder in children, adolescents and youth. Random-effects models were employed for data analysis and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2.0. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index. A total of 38 studies were included in the final analysis. The global prevalence of social anxiety disorder was estimated to be 4.7% in children, 8.3% in adolescents, and 17% in youth. These findings suggest a progressive increase in the prevalence of SAD across these developmental stages. Considering the prevalence of social anxiety disorder in this study, policymakers can use the findings of this study to inform and develop effective prevention strategies for individuals and communities most susceptible to this disorder.

Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity and Shape and Weight Concerns Among Youth With Overweight and Obesity: A Pilot Exploratory Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Background: A bidirectional association between shape and weight concerns (SWC) and physical activity (PA) has been previously documented. This relationship may be particularly salient among youth with overweight/obesity, given that social marginalization of larger bodies has been associated with elevated SWC and barriers to PA. This pilot study explores reciprocal relationships between momentary SWC and accelerometer-assessed PA behavior. Methods: Youth with overweight/obesity (N = 17) participated in a 14-day ecological momentary assessment protocol, during which they were prompted to respond to questions about SWC several times per day. They also continuously wore Actiwatch 2 accelerometers to capture light and moderate-to-vigorous PA behavior. Results: Hierarchical linear modeling revealed a unidirectional association between SWC and PA, whereby after engaging in a higher duration of PA, participants reported lower SWC. SWC did not predict subsequent PA. Conclusion: The findings support a negative temporal relationship between PA and SWC. While further work is needed to replicate and extend these preliminary findings, they may suggest that PA acutely benefits SWC among youth with overweight and obesity.

Examining associations between obesity and mental health disorders from childhood to adolescence: A case-control prospective study

Childhood obesity and mental disorders often co-exist. To date, most of the studies are cross-sectional, involve the assessment of a specific disorder, and rely on self-report questionnaires. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive psychological assessment to examine the concurrent and prospective association between childhood obesity and mental health problems. We compared 34 children with obesity with 37 children with normal weight at baseline, and at a five-year follow-up, to examine the development of mental health disorders from childhood (8-12 years) to adolescence (13-18 years). Both assessments included a clinical interview and self-reported measures of psychosocial and family markers. Findings showed that the obesity group had a higher prevalence of mental disorders, and psychological comorbidity increased in five years. Prospectively, childhood obesity was associated with a psychological diagnosis in adolescence. Moreover, the obesity group displayed higher severity of symptoms at both times. Finally, body esteem contributed to predicting mental health disorders in adolescence regardless of weight status, while eating symptomatology was a specific marker for the obesity group. Therefore, in the management of childhood obesity is suggested to address also psychosocial variables such as weight-related teasing and body esteem, to prevent the onset or development of mental health problems.