Investigation of the Relationship between ADHD and Bodyweight in a Canadian Sample of Children
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Objectives: To investigate whether Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with abnormal bodyweight (underweight or obesity) in a national sample of Canadian children.Methods: Data were derived from children aged 4-11 years in the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (N =10, 200).Data were analysed using linear modelling and logistic regression, controlling for variables known to be associated with ADHD and bodyweight, including age, sex, SES, medication, and other psychological difficulties.We examined ADHD using an ADHD symptom scale (dimensional approach), symptom severity rating (no, mild, moderate or severe symptoms), a proxy ADHD diagnosis (to approximate a clinical categorical condition), and hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive ADHD symptom severity.Results: Higher scores on the ADHD scale were associated with increased odds of obesity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI 95 ] = 1.02-1.06,p = .000),but not underweight.Children with mild (AOR = 1.39,CI 95 = 1.16-1.67,p= .001)and moderate (AOR = 1.63,CI 95 = 1.31-2.01,p =.000) ADHD symptoms had higher odds of obesity relative to children with no symptoms.Among children not taking ADHD medication, those with severe ADHD symptoms also had higher odds of obesity
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Megan Dorothy Smith
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2612480379