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Improvements in behaviour and self-esteem following growth hormone treatment in short prepubertal children

John Eric Chaplin1, Berit Kriström, Björn Jonsson

  • 1Göteborg Pediatric Growth Research Center, Institute of Clinical Science, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.

Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|February 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) treatment significantly improved behavior and psychosocial well-being in short-stature children within 3 months. These positive effects on behavior, depression, and self-esteem persisted over a 2-year treatment period.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Short stature in children is associated with behavioral and psychosocial challenges.
  • Prepubertal children with short stature often exhibit internalizing behaviors and lower self-esteem.
  • Growth hormone (GH) treatment is a standard therapy for various forms of short stature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of growth hormone (GH) treatment on the behavioral and psychosocial characteristics of short-stature children.
  • To assess changes in behavior, depression, and self-esteem during a 2-year GH treatment regimen.
  • To identify factors influencing the extent of behavioral and psychosocial improvements.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 99 prepubertal children (aged 3-11 years) with short stature.
  • Children received either fixed or individual doses of GH and were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline and at 3, 12, and 24 months.
  • Parent and child self-report measures included behavioral checklists, depression scales, and well-being assessments.

Main Results:

  • Children with short stature showed higher internalizing behaviors and lower self-esteem at baseline compared to population norms.
  • GH treatment led to significant improvements in behavioral measures and reduced depression within 3 months, sustained for 24 months.
  • Self-esteem, mood, and well-being dimensions improved significantly across all subgroups during GH therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Growth hormone (GH) treatment offers significant behavioral and psychosocial benefits for prepubertal children with short stature.
  • The initial 3 months of GH treatment are critical for observing substantial behavioral and psychosocial improvements.
  • GH therapy positively impacts not only physical growth but also the mental and emotional well-being of short-stature children.
Abstract

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