711 - First Steps For Integrating Emotional Wellness Support into a Pediatric Weight Management Program
Sunday, April 30, 2023
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET
Poster Number: 711 Publication Number: 711.328
Christine SanGiovanni, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC, United States; Janet Carter, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC, United States; Lillian M. Christon, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC, United States
Associate Professor Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Background: Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety are associated with obesity. Unfortunately, difficulty in accessing mental health providers, increases the need for mental health management within weight management programs. Objective: This study assessed the implementation of mental health screening for patients in a weight management clinic and initiation of an emotional wellness clinic integrated within a weight management program. Design/Methods: A multidisciplinary team of a pediatrician, dietitian, and psychologist created a screening questionnaire for patients 12 years and older. Questions were from validated surveys such as the Single-item self-rated health item, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-2. Patients completed the survey at one of their visits for the weight management program between November 2021-November 2022. Answers to the screening questions were not at all, several days, more than half the days, and nearly every day. If patients had a positive screen (more than half the days and nearly every day), and they did not currently have a mental health provider, they were offered a referral to the Emotional Wellness Clinic, where patients would see a psychologist and pediatrician. Results: Over the past year, 74 patients have been screened, and 35 (47%) patients were referred to the Emotional Wellness Clinic (15.3±2.13 years old; 53% identified as female). These patients all had overweight/obesity. When asked about their overall health, 4% reported poor health, 31% fair, 51% good, 7% very good, and 5% excellent. When asked about feeling nervous, anxious or on edge or not being able to stop or control their worrying, 18% screened positive. When asked if they felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, 16% screened positive. When asked if they were feeling down, depressed, or hopeless, 8% screened positive. Adolescents who reported having poor or fair health were more likely to also report feeling nervous, anxious or on edge for most of the past 2 weeks (P=0.01). No significant association was found with poor health and symptoms of depression. Of the patients referred to clinic, 10 (29%) were referred to a therapist in their area and 20% were started on initial medication for mental health diagnoses.
Conclusion(s): This pilot was a significant step in addressing mental health concerns and providing access to mental health providers for patients in a weight management program. Given the current mental health crisis, creative solutions like this project are critical to help our patients receive much needed care.
