What are the psychological effects of GHD in children and adolescents?
An increased growth rate, more mature appearance, and the hope for an adult height within the normal range are viewed as positive results of growth hormone therapy by both parents and children. However, parents need to consider some cautionary factors when their child undergoes treatment. According to experts in the field, some children might expect too much from their therapy, such as thinking they will grow overnight or become the tallest in their class. When these expectations are not met, the child may feel disappointed, depressed, or even guilty. Other children may feel a sense of loss when they begin to grow. They may regret losing the special niche or role they have developed in the family or at school by being smaller. Some children may not feel they are special anymore because they have begun to look like everyone else. A child also may feel uncomfortable about his or her growing body because it is unfamiliar. According to some professionals treating families of growth hormone
