Integrating pediatric obesity treatment into clinical practice.
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and other industrialized nations. Despite the significant psychosocial consequences, mental health professionals have been reluctant to provide direct treatment for these children and their parents. The author proposes a practice model for agency, clinic, and private settings, with the mental health practitioner as primary clinician. On the basis of intervention research methodology, the model presents consensus generalizations and clinical applications for evaluation and treatment. A typology of diagnostic profiles with corresponding strategies for combining diet, activity, and mental health interventions is included.
Panzer
Barry
B
Independent Practice, Brooklyn, NY, USA. HoopdocB@aol.com
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D032921:Consensus; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome