Psychological aspects in children and adolescents with hypopituitarism

Psychological studies in children with stunted growth have partly shown inconsistent results due to heterogeneity of samples and the use of non-standardized test procedures. We have examined patients with proven hypopituitarism using a selection of standardized and age-related psychological tests. Forty-eight patients, 32 male, 16 female, age 6 to 26 years with isolated growth hormone deficiency (n = 22) and multiple pituitary deficiencies (n = 26) were investigated. The patients had had hormonal substitution therapy for 0.1-16.8 years. Test procedures included evaluation of intelligence and various personality parameters. Full score IQ was in the average range. Despite these findings a high percentage of patients had delayed schooling or had to repeat a class. They were normal regarding emotional balance and frustration tolerance and did not show any tendency towards depression or psychosomatic disorders. Social behavior was characterized by an infantile attitude toward their personal environment. The patients showed a tendency to avoid aggressiveness in frustrating situations. In contrast to the results of these tests, a non-standarized interview demonstrated that the majority of patients had serious problems because of their short stature, including difficulties in finding social contacts. Continuous medical and psychological guidance is therefore recommended.