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Growth, growth hormone and cognitive functions
A Sartorio1, A Conti, E Molinari
1Laboratorio Sperimentale di Richerche Endocrinologiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italia.
Hormone Research
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Short stature is linked to psychological and academic challenges. Growth hormone (GH) deficiency in children can cause learning disabilities, impacting adult life, but multidisciplinary care improves outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Short stature is associated with cognitive and psychological issues, but specific effects vary by condition.
- Growth hormone (GH) plays a role in cognitive function, though its precise impact is often confounded by other hormonal deficiencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the specific psychological effects of different forms of short stature.
- To investigate the role of GH deficiency (GHD) in cognitive and psychosocial development.
- To assess the long-term psychological outcomes of childhood GHD and the benefits of multidisciplinary care.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on short stature, GH, and cognitive/psychological functions.
- Analysis of studies on children with various forms of short stature, including Turner's syndrome and GHD.
- Examination of outcomes in adults with childhood GHD, considering treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- Children with 'short normal' stature and normal intellect show scholastic underachievement, linked to psychosocial factors.
- Isolated GHD in children is associated with learning disabilities and attention deficits.
- Adults with GHD generally have normal cognition but higher rates of unemployment; psychological counseling improves adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Short stature itself can contribute to psychosocial difficulties, independent of intellectual capacity.
- Early identification and intervention through multidisciplinary care, including psychological support, are crucial for improving academic and psychosocial outcomes in children with short stature and GHD.