Neuropsychological functioning in girls with premature adrenarche

A. Tissot, L. D. Dorn, D. Rotenstein, S. R. Rose, L. M. Sontag-Padilla, C. L. Jillard, S. F. Witchel, S. L. Berga, T. L. Loucks, S. R. Beers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Contemporary research indicates that brain development occurs during childhood and into early adulthood, particularly in certain regions. A critical question is whether premature or atypical hormone exposures impact brain development (e.g., structure) or function (e.g., neuropsychological functioning). The current study enrolled 40 girls (aged 6-8 years) diagnosed with premature adrenarche (PA) and a comparison group of 36 girls with on-time maturation. It was hypothesized that girls with PA would demonstrate lower IQ and performance on several neuropsychological tasks. The potential for a sexually dimorphic neuropsychological profile in PA was also explored. No significant univariate or multivariate group differences emerged for any neuropsychological instrument. However, effect size confidence intervals contained medium-sized group differences at the subscale level. On-time girls performed better on verbal, working memory, and visuospatial tasks. Girls with PA showed improved attention, but not a sexually dimorphic profile. These results, though preliminary, suggest that premature maturation may influence neuropsychological functioning.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)151-156
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Neuroscience
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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