Investigation of sleep and eating disorders in adolescents diagnosed with essential hypertension

AIM: This study investigates the relationship between sleep and eating disorders and primary hypertension (PHT) in adolescents. It also aims to identify the prevalence of these behavioral problems and evaluate the potential of reducing antihypertensive medication use through psychiatric support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January and December 2024, 80 adolescents aged 12–18 years diagnosed with essential hypertension and followed in the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic of Sakarya Training and Research Hospital were compared with 80 healthy peers of the same age and gender who visited the general pediatrics outpatient clinic. All participants completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). In the patient group, additional assessments included ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular mass (LVM), hypertensive retinopathy examination, and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio analysis. RESULTS: Of the participants, %36,3 were female and %63,8 male. Obesity was significantly more common in the patient group (%31,25) than in controls (%7,5). However, no significant eating disorders were detected in either group, and no statistical association between eating disorders and PHT was found. In PHT patients with sleep disorders, higher diastolic blood pressure readings were observed. Sleep duration was shorter, and sleep-related anxiety was more prevalent in the patient group. Male adolescents reported higher sleep-related anxiety, while female adolescents experienced more frequent nighttime awakenings. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity was higher in adolescents with PHT; however, eating disorders were not observed. Sleep disturbances appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of PHT and may influence blood pressure levels. These findings highlight the importance of assessing sleep patterns in adolescents diagnosed with primary hypertension. Keywords: Adolescent, blood pressure, eating disorder, sleep disorder, primary hypertension