The possible relationship between thyroid dysfunctions, weight gain, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children and adolescents: A consultation-liaison psychiatry sample with pediatric endocrinology
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Original Article
P: 136-138
December 2018

The possible relationship between thyroid dysfunctions, weight gain, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children and adolescents: A consultation-liaison psychiatry sample with pediatric endocrinology

Gulhane Med J 2018;60(4):136-138
1. Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
2. Ufuk University, Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
3. Ufuk University, Child Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
No information available.
No information available
Received Date: 01.08.2018
Accepted Date: 10.08.2018
Publish Date: 15.12.2018
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ABSTRACT

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.