Evaluation of Executive Functions, Obesity and Self-Esteem in Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Aim: Executive function deficits are very common in attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Recent studies suggest that common mechanisms in the pathophysiology of obesity and ADHD may be
related to impulse control and executive functions. This study aimed to compare the executive functions
and self-esteem levels of children and adolescents with ADHD with and without overweight/obesity. The
study also aimed to examine the relationships between overweight/obesity, executive functions, ADHD
and self-esteem in children and adolescents.
Patients and Method: Participants included 71 children/adolescents (mean age = 16.12±1.71; age range=
12-18 years; 71.83% males) with ADHD who applied to Gazi University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
outpatient clinics between March 2021 and April 2022 and did not use any medication. Participants
completed the Executive Functions Behavior Evaluation Inventory Scale (parent form), Conners Parent
Rating Scale-Revised Short Form and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale .
Results: Results showed that hyperactivity symptoms and working memory function were significant
predictors of self-esteem in adolescents with ADHD. In addition, when adolescents with ADHD were
compared according to their overweight/obesity level, significant differences were found between the
groups in working memory and planning/organization functions. However, no difference was found
between the groups in terms of self-esteem and ADHD severity.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that working memory and hyperactivity symptom severity may play an
important role in understanding the self-esteem of adolescents with ADHD. While no difference was found
in terms of self-esteem and ADHD clinic in adolescents diagnosed with ADHD according to overweight/
obesity status, differences in working memory and planning/organization skills suggest that executive
functions play a critical role in overweight/obesity in ADHD.