Precocious puberty.

The child with premature sexual development requires a thorough history, physical, and appropriate laboratory evaluation. The physician and other medical staff should remain sensitive to the family's concerns and the child's emotional adaptation. Counseling and open discussion of the psychosocial and sexual issues may greatly assist both the child and family. Making the correct diagnosis is critical to the selection of the appropriate form of therapy. Fortunately, in most cases in which therapy is warranted, it is extremely effective. In the remaining conditions, promising new forms of therapy are being investigated.