Psychosocial Adaptation in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency

Park, Mi Jung; Shin, Yee Jin; Shin, Hae Jung; Kim, Duk Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE
Emotional and behavioral disturbances have been reported in severe short stature children. The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial problems in children with Growth hormone deficiency(GHD), comparing with their normal height siblings.
METHODS
Twenty three children with GHD(17 boys and 6 girls, mean age:13.1+/-2.8 yrs) were included. Their normal height siblings(8 boys and 2 girls, mean age:12.3+/-2.9 yrs) were included as control group. Parents of all participating children completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Patients 10 years and older completed the Youth Self Report.
RESULTS
1)Internalizing problem scores(somatic complaints, anxiety, depression, social incompetence) were higher in GHD compared to control group(49.0+/-15.0 vs 43.2+/-6.2, P<0.05). Externalizing problem scores and social competences were not different between GHD and control group. 2) Total problem scores in GHD were not different by sex. 3)Total problem scores were not different between idiopathic GHD and organic GHD. 4)Attention problems(r=0.45, P<0.05), delinquent behavior(r=0.49, P=0.01) and aggressive behavior(r=0.51, P<0.01) increased by age. 5)Height SDS negatively correlated with social problem(r=-0.47, P<0.05) and delinquent behavior(r=-0.61, P<0.01). Height SDS also negatively correlated with somatic complaints(r=-0.75, P<0.01), anxiety and depression(r=-0.66, P=0.01).
CONCLUSION
Internalized problems such as somatic complaints, anxiety and depression were higher in GHD than control group. Behavioral problem scores were increased by age and behavioral problem scores were correlated with height deficit. When we treat GHD children, appropriate medical and psychological counseling should be included.