Psychological Evaluation of Young Women after Medical Treatment for Central Precocious Puberty

Abstract

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.