[Psychological impact of growth hormone deficiency in adolescence: an observational study in pediatric clinical practice]

Abstract

Background: Growth problems in children and adolescents are a frequent reason for referral to pediatric endocrinologists with the most common endocrine form of short stature being growth hormone deficiency (Ghd). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important factor in adolescents with Ghd and should be considered in clinical practice by physicians and psychologists.

Aim: Present observational study aimed to examine the effects of Ghd and its treatment in outpatient adolescents, during the follow-up.

Methods: An observational study was conducted among 24 adolescents aged 11-18,9 years with Ghd diagnosis. The participants were approached to participate in the study at the Auxological Pediatric Ambulatory of the San Salvatore Hospital (L'Aquila). The administered psychological battery.

Results: Descriptive statistical analyses showed a significant difference by the gender.

Conclusion: The present study showed that psychological screening can be an effective tool in clinical practice to detect predictive factors in the health management of young patients, centered on their needs.