Self image and quality of life in acromegaly.

Abstract

Chronic effects of excessive GH secretion are not only disabling but also disfiguring. Most acromegalic patients present with 4-10 years history of changes in features, bony overgrowth, soft tissue swelling, skin changes, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and other cardiovascular symptoms. In addition to sign and symptoms of GH excess the patients demonstrate a loss initiative and spontaneity, mood swings, an impairments in self esteem, body image distortion, disruption in interpersonal relations and social withdrawal anxiety. Little research is available on the psychological features of acromegaly, despite their importance in this chronic and debilitating condition. Extremely little, however has appeared in the medical and psychological literature about mental and emotional disfunction in patients with acromegaly.