[Good things come in small packages? Psychosocial aspects of small stature]

Short stature is considered as a social disadvantage. This review deals with the findings of studies on cognitive and socio-emotional functioning in children with growth hormone deficiency, constitutional short stature, Turner syndrome, skeletal dysplasias and chronic illnesses. The consequences of short stature in adulthood are also described. The short term effect of growth hormone treatment on psychosocial functioning appears positive, but long term results have to be awaited before conclusions can be drawn.