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Psychogenic dwarfism overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Overview

Psychogenic dwarfism, Psychosocial short stature or Stress dwarfism is a growth disorder that is observed between the ages of 2 and 15, caused by extreme emotional deprivation or stress.

Psychogenic dwarfism is short stature that results from an environment with constant and extreme stress. Usual signs and symptoms include short stature, weight that is inappropriate for the height, and immature bone age, an adult height around 4 feet (about 122 centimeters). For diagnosis, evaluation of child’s growth and develpment environment, appearance examination and measurements of height and weight, hormone tests and imaging technology may be helpful. Treatments for most dwarfism-related conditions don’t increase stature but may lessen complications. Children of psychogenic dwarfism may receive hormone therapy for a long time. Prognosis of psyvhogenic dwarfism varies from condition to condition, from person to person. Family support, social networks, advocacy groups and adaptive products enable most patients to address challenges in educational, work and social settings.

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References


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