PSYCHOBIOLOGY OF PREMATURE ADRENARCHE

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The purpose of this study is to examine physiological and psychological characteristics of children with premature adrenarche (PA) and the development of emotional and behavior problems and cognitive differences in this disorder. PA occurs earlier than age 8 in girls and age 9.5 in boys and is manifested by the increase in adrenal androgens and the appearance of sexual hair, body odor and acne. Our preliminary research suggests that there is an increased incidence of emotional and behavioral problems and cognitive differences in PA, compared with "on time" children (Dom, Hitt, & Rotenstein, 1999). Because PA is more common in girls than boys, by a 10-1 ratio (Reiter & Kulin, 1972), this study will examine PA in girls only. In a sample of girls ages 6 through 8 , one group with PA and a matched comparison group of on-time girls (Tanner I breast and pubic hair), the aims of the study are as follows: (1) To compare child hormone milieu (gonadal and adrenal hormones, cortisol reactivity), genetic variation associated with hyperandrogenism [mutation of CYP21 or glucocorticoid receptor (GCR)], adjustment (anxiety, depression, and externalizing behavior problems), and cognitive differences (standardized neuropsychological tests) in PA and on-time girls. (2) To examine the mediated moderation of PA by individual genetic variation (mutation of CYP21 or GCR) on child adjustment (anxiety, depression, and externalizing behavior problems) and cognitive function (standardized neuropsychological tests) through child hormone milieu (gonadal and adrenal hormones, cortisol reactivity).