Clinical Q & A

摘要

If a practitioner suspects that the overweight child isnstruggling with “psychological issues,” this probablynis a correct hunch, given the recent empirical studiesnthat have documented poor quality of life in overweightnyouth, increased incidence of peer teasing and bullyingnby overweight youth, and the higher incidence ofndepression documented in overweight youth. Given thatnwe know that overweight youth are at increased risk fornsuch types of psychological distress, the practitionernwould be wise and proactive to have a child psychologistnwho is a member—although maybe out in the communitynrather than physically in the practitioner’s office—ofnthe weight management team. Referral to a child psychologistnfor assessment would be the first step towardnappropriate diagnosis and treatment of any comorbidnpsychological issue. The practitioner should first speaknwith the child’s parent to see if the child has a history ofnpsychological “issues” or if the child has received mentalnhealth counseling in the past. Introducing the childnpsychologist as a “member of the weight managementnteam” to the parent and child can help to reduce some ofnthe very common societal “stigma” about mental healthnproblems that poses a barrier to many children receivingnpsychological treatment.