Psychological evaluation of young women after medical treatment for central precocious puberty.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at the evaluation of the subjective experience and long-term behavioral and psychological effects of precocious puberty (PP).

METHODS

19 female patients who had been treated with GnRH agonists participated in a semistructured interview and completed two standardized checklists. Their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

RESULTS

The CBCL yielded significantly elevated Internalizing and Total Behavior Problem scores. An elevated risk was found for patients with short adult stature and a relatively late onset of PP. The latter tended to neuroticism, to accentuation of their physical appearance, and felt significantly more insecure than age-related non-PP girls.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that PP can lead to specific behavioral problems, and that patients with a risk factor may need psychosocial support.