Abstract
Comparison was made between 26 children with simple obesity (80% with a familial history of obesity) and 26 normal controls (11.5% with familial obesity). The condition appeared to mask latent psychosis in 6 subjects, whereas in 20 it was a reaction to specific emotional conflicts. No signs of psychosis were noted in the controls, though 3 subjects displayed a neurotic personality. There was a marked difference in the history of maternal attitude since birth, this being inadequate in the case of the obese children. Behavior differences between the two groups, on the other hand, were less striking. The question of whether some behavioral deviations (more common in the obese subjects) may be due to obesity is discussed. The need for comparison with a control group in investigations of this kind is stressed.
Translated title of the contribution | Psychogenic aspects of obesity in childhood |
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Original language | Italian |
Pages (from-to) | 1453-1461 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Minerva Pediatrica |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 23 |
Publication status | Published - 1977 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health