Investigation of the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of girls diagnosed with ıdiopathic central precocious puberty.

While psychological and emotional changes have been reported in some cases of idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP), definitive conclusions about these associations are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of girls diagnosed with CPP compared to healthy controls. The study comprised 21 cases with CPP and their parents, as well as 22 healthy controls and their parents. All participants underwent the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime (KSADS-PL) during psychiatric evaluation. Additionally, patients completed the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale -Child (RCADS-CV), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) questionnaire. Parents completed the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Scale (ADHD), Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC), Children Empathy-Systemize Scale (EQ-SQ), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scales -Parent Version (RCADS-P), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for their children, and the Beck Depression Inventory for themselves. The median ages in the CPP and control groups were 7.6 years (range: 6-8) and 7.2 years (range: 6.5-8), respectively. KSADS-PL revealed significantly higher rates of anxiety disorder in CPP cases compared to controls. Notable differences were found in the impulsivity subscale of the ADHD scale, physical and school functioning in PedsQL (child and parent forms), peer problems in the SDQ, emotion regulation (ERC), and social phobia and separation anxiety (RCADS-CV). Parental separation anxiety (RCADS-P) also showed significant differences between groups.

conclusionOur findings suggest that patients diagnosed with precocious puberty are at an increased risk for psychiatric comorbidities compared to the control group. It is crucial to consider children's psychiatric comorbidities at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, this study provides data for future investigations aimed at assessing stress levels following GnRHa treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Early pubertal onset has been associated with increased vulnerability to anxiety, emotional distress, and  psychosocial difficulties in children. • Previous studies on idiopathic CPP have reported inconsistent findings regarding the extent of psychological and behavioral impairments. WHAT IS NEW: • This study demonstrates that girls with idiopathic CPP show significantly higher rates of DSM-based anxiety disorders and broader psychosocial difficulties at the time of diagnosis. • In addition to anxiety, impairments in emotional regulation, peer relationships, impulsivity, and quality of life were identified, highlighting a multidimensional psychosocial impact.