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Neurobehavioral relationships and puberty: another transformation?
1Groningen University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Netherlands.
Early Human Development
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Puberty onset significantly reduces minor neurological dysfunction (MND) in children, improving neurobehavioral outcomes. Hormonal changes, particularly oestrogens, are implicated in these positive transformations.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Minor neurological dysfunction (MND) can persist into childhood.
- The impact of puberty on neurological development and behavior is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of puberty onset in children with and without minor neurological dysfunction (MND).
- To examine neurobehavioral changes associated with puberty in relation to MND.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up study of the Groningen Perinatal Project (GPP).
- Children selected based on presence (n=185) or absence (n=185) of MND at 9 years.
- Puberty defined by three or more physical signs.
Main Results:
- MND incidence decreased with puberty onset.
- Neurobehavioral relationships became more explicit post-puberty.
- All MND types correlated with behavioral and cognitive issues during this stage.
Conclusions:
- Puberty, influenced by gonadal hormones like oestrogens, plays a role in resolving MND.
- Two-thirds of children with MND and behavioral problems show improvement during puberty.
- Longitudinal studies including puberty should account for this developmental stage.