Aims:

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorders in the pediatric population. Genetic, biological and psychosocial factors are involved in the occurrence of ADHD but the exact etiology is still unknown. Thyroid functions are critical to neurocognitive development in childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ADHD, thyroid functions and weight gain in children.

Methods:

Children aged 7 to 15 years having a diagnosis of ADHD who were consulted to the pediatric endocrinology unit for weight gain were recruited. Anthropometric measurements, blood levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free (F) T3, FT4, Anti (thyroglobuline) TG and Anti (thyroid peroxidase) TPO were obtained and a thyroid sonography was performed for each patient.

Results:

Among the participants (n=11), 4 (36.4%) were obese and 4 (36.4%) had subclinical hypothyroidism. Two patients (18.2%) were both obese and had subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients with ADHD and subclinical hypothyroidism had higher mean TSH level than patients those with ADHD and obese ones, but had lower FT4 levels. Thyroid volume of a 13-year-old girl who had subclinical hypothyroidism was>+2SD.

Conclusions:

Although there is not enough evidence that hypothyroidism is an important problem in ADHD, we found a higher ratio of subclinical hypothyroidism and obesity in this sample. This is an important result and should be carried out in consultation-liaison patients.

Keywords: ADHD, thyroid dysfunction, subclinical hypothyroidism, weight gain, obesity