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Growth hormone and selective attention: a review
Elise H Quik1, P Sytze van Dam, J Leon Kenemans
1Department of Experimental Psychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. E.H.Quik@pharm.uu.nl
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|January 12, 2010
Summary
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) does not appear to impair selective attention functions. However, GHD may affect information processing speed and integrated multi-dimensional processing, with potential benefits from growth hormone (GH) replacement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- General cognitive function is linked to growth hormone (GH) secretion.
- Specific impacts of GH deficiency (GHD) on selective attention remain underexplored.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on GHD and GH replacement effects on selective attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific effects of growth hormone deficiency on various aspects of selective attention.
- To examine the impact of growth hormone supplementation on selective attention.
- To clarify the relationship between GH status and cognitive functions related to attention.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies examining GH status and selective/divided attention.
- Inclusion of studies using validated measures of attention.
- Analysis of research on both GHD and GH-treated individuals.
Main Results:
- No evidence suggests GHD impairs attribute selection, interference control, or attentional switching.
- Some studies indicate deficits in processing multiple stimulus dimensions and information processing speed in GHD.
- Limited evidence suggests GH replacement may benefit these specific cognitive domains.
Conclusions:
- GHD does not broadly affect selective attention components like attribute selection or switching.
- Deficits in integrated processing and information processing speed are potential consequences of GHD.
- Neural mechanisms involving the anterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus may underlie these effects, given GH receptor density.
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