Is cognitive disengagement syndrome a risk factor for obese children? A case-control study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are differences in terms of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) symptoms and some psychiatric symptoms between obese children and healthy controls. Participants were 60 cases diagnosed with obesity and 60 healthy children who were not obese/overweight aged 6-12 years. The obese group had significantly higher CDS symptom scores comparing to the control group. In the obese group, there were statistically significant associations found between the symptoms of CDS and attention, conduct issues, emotional instability, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Clinicians who work with obese children should also be aware of CDS symptoms.