Adopted girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty: observations about character.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological traits of adopted girls affected by idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). Twelve adopted girls were evaluated before, during GnRH agonist (GnRHa) treatment, and after the treatment was stopped. Before, during and after treatment, adopted girls with ICPP showed a normal degree of anxiety, an adequate level of maturity, and a correct sexual identification. None of them had symbiotic character traits as previously reported in non-adopted girls with ICPP. The perception of their body was poor before treatment, but improved during GnRHa treatment and psychological support. The changes in the life of adopted girls are so numerous that precocious puberty may represent an additional risk for psychological discomfort. Therefore to treat precocious puberty it may not only be necessary to prevent premature changes in their body but also to give them enough time to face up to their emotional and psychological problems and to become competent adolescents.