Although we refer to it as "growth" hormone, GH actually has many other functions than helping growth to occur. GH is a powerful brain hormone that is believed to play an important role in stimulating and controlling areas of the brain that regulate moods and emotions. Certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters are dependent on the effects of GH to help them carry their messages between brain centers. If GH is not available, these functions may not occur appropriately and the result can be uncontrolled changes in psychological functioning. Individuals may feel anxious, depressed or worried for no apparent reason when this happens, and this may cause changes in behavior or decline in social functioning.
How GH can cause Moods and Emotions to Change
Negative and sad feeling may dominate your mood, and positive or joyful feelings can be dampened. An affected individual could feel unable to enjoy life and lack the motivation to make change in their circumstance. It is important to remember that these emotional changes are not usually directly related to actual life events and therefore are difficult to anticipate. Research has shown that many GHD patients suffer these symptoms privately and do not report them to their doctors. This is unfortunate because there are several treatments available to help manage these problems.
GHD in Childhood versus Adulthood
Children who are GHD often grow up with problems related to being small, feeling unhappy with their self-image, having few friends, and, perhaps also not doing well in school. Many short children are bullied and called cruel nicknames such as "shorty" or "shrimp" which are very painful. These difficulties can have a powerful effect on self-esteem and social skills, and if these effects are carried into adulthood, quality of life may be more complex and therefore difficult to change. In contrast, adults who develop GHD later in life may be surprised by their emotional changes and psychological symptoms, but because of their previous life experience and maturity, they are better prepared to find a solution. In either case, consultation with your doctor can lead to appropriate treatment options.
The special problems of Short Stature
Short stature in childhood may be corrected by GH treatment, but above average height is not achieved in all patients. Feeling "short" and therefore different from others may lead to secondary adjustment problems which can compound the biological effects of GHD mentioned earlier. If a poor self-image develops, lowered self-esteem, anxiety, pessimism or even depression may arise. Common signs of this are: feeling isolated from others, "left out" or shunned, becoming sarcastic or cynical, being overly sensitive to criticism, or lacking ambition and drive. No one has all these symptoms at the same time, but any one of them, or a combination of such symptoms indicate you should seek help, either from a counselor or your doctor.
What Can Be Done to Help You
You should feel entirely comfortable speaking with your doctor about any problems you have regarding your feelings or emotions. In some instances it may be that GH replacement treatment will make a significant difference in your sense of well-being, and nothing further is needed. In others, medication to control anxiety or depression can be beneficial. Certain forms of counseling also alter anxiety and depression by modifying negative and dysfunctional beliefs and thought patterns. This is called cognitive-behavior and is usually carried out by a specially trained psychologist. All these options can be discussed with your doctor who will help you make the best decisions.
Support Groups
Many people who have chronic medical conditions find it helpful and rewarding to meet regularly in a group setting with others who have similar problems. These self-help groups are effective for patients with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. In a safe and supportive group you can learn to understand, accept, and manage your condition through mutual support, information-sharing, and problem solving based on the experiences of others.
Sources of Information about Psychological Counseling
Two major professional groups provide names of counselors and doctors specializing in areas which can be helpful to you. They are the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association
Contributed By:
Brian Stabler, Ph.D.
Chapel Hill, NC
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If you are diagnosed with Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency because of low or absent growth hormone (GH) secretion levels you may experience a number of different physical and emotional symptoms. Feeling tired, listless, easily fatigued, and having a lack of motivation are often reported by patients. Some individuals also report feeling anxious, irritable, losing interest in sex, and a pervasive sense of gloom and pessimism about their lives. Because of these effects, persons with Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency may tend to avoid contact with others, show signs of stress in their marriage, and experience a gradual decrease in their productivity at work. Quality of life begins to decline and the affected individual often suffers in silence. This article is provided to help you understand these feelings and what actions you can take to improve your life. To view our video presentation on Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency-