Is Growth Hormone Treatment Associated With the Psychological Status in Children With Short Stature?

摘要

To the Editor:INTRODUCTION: Short stature (SS) is clearly not a disease but is commonly perceived to be associated with social and psychological disadvantages. Children burdened with SS and weak muscles tend to suffer from verbal stigmatization and attack on body by their school peers, leading to poor social adaption and, to a certain extent, social isolation. Noeker et al revealed an obvious correlation between stature and quality of life that primarily manifests among individuals with exceptional SS. It has been reported that growth hormone (GH) therapy can improve behavioral problems and reduce anxiety and depression. For instance, Ross et al claimed that in their research, all behaviors improved in children with SS after undergoing 3-year GH therapy compared with the control group. At present, the studies on psychological changes in children with SS after GH therapy in China are rare. Thus, in this study, we examined the psychological differences in the children with SS after GH therapy to determine whether it should be provided for them.