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

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.