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Obesity: The Role of Child Mental Health Services
Author(s) -
Walker Lucy,
Hill Andrew J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
child and adolescent mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1475-3588
pISSN - 1475-357X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2008.00522.x
Subject(s) - obesity , mental health , depression (economics) , binge eating , psychology , health professionals , psychiatry , medicine , eating disorders , health care , political science , law , economics , macroeconomics
Increasing levels of child obesity are placing pressure on all children’s services, including CAMHS. The need for input by mental health professionals is justified by the increased risk of depression, low self‐esteem, binge eating, and impaired quality of life seen in obese children and adolescents. Two routes for CAMHS involvement with obese youngsters are described. Balance It!, a service operating in the NE England, is an example of a long‐term approach involving Tiers 1‐3 of CAMHS. Research testifies to the psychological value of weight loss. However, a series of questions remain regarding best practice, perceived need, and funding of CAMHS in child obesity.