Psychological correlates of central precocious and early puberty [Correlati psichici della pubertà centrale precoce e anticipata]

The aim of our study is to evaluate the psychological aspects of central precocious (PP) and early puberty (EP). 19 female patients with a history of PP or EP, and their parents, have undergone Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and an interview, for the parents, and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Machover Human Figure and Family Drawing Tests and an interview, for the patients. Twenty one% presents depressive traits and 37% refers suicidal thoughts at CDI. At CBCL internalizing problems and competence difficulties have been observed. Interviews and projective tests show a much more diffused depressive mood and anxious traits (70%), particularly low self-esteem, anxiety referred to sexuality and a characteristic precocious acquisition of self-holding capacities. PP and EP may represent conditions at risk for psychopathological disorders. An integrate intervention of the neuropsychiatry, in close cooperation with the paediatrician, would be important for the prevention of psychiatric disorders.