title: Body experiences and psychopathology in idiopathic central precocious and early puberty.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Idiopathic central precocious (PP) and early puberty (EP) are frequently associated with psychopathological problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of body experiences and psychological aspects in girls with PP and EP, as well as the impact of these conditions on their families and the subjects' vulnerability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects with PP or EP, aged 7-15 years, were evaluated through the administration of a self-report questionnaire (Children's Depression Inventory, CDI), along with a projective test (Human Figure Drawing Test, HFDT). Their parents filled in a questionnaire about their child's behavior (Child Behavior Checklist 4-18, CBCL).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-nine girls with PP or EP were compared to 55 age-matched healthy girls. The 13.8% of subjects with EP or PP presented depressive traits, and the 48.3% reported suicidal thoughts at the CDI (vs.
  
  
  METHODS
  P<0.05). At the HFDT, a lower psychological maturity and a more negative self-image, that determine a vulnerability to psychopathology and mental suffering, were observed in those subjects with a past EP or PP, who entered in adolescence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EP and PP are complex conditions, which combine somatic symptoms with negative psychological sequelae, including an increased risk for depression and a distorted body perception. The use of projective tests for the assessment of body perception might help the clinician come to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic needs of girls with PP or EP.
authors: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department San Gerardo Hospital, Monza Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca Monza, Italy - monica.bomba@gmail.com.
authors: Renata
authors: R
authors: Nacinovich
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Buzi
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Oggiano
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Rossi
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Spada
authors: Fiorenza
authors: F
authors: Broggi
authors: Alba
authors: A
authors: Pilotta
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Neri
authors: Monica
authors: M
authors: Bomba
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011629:Puberty, Precocious / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires