Puberty is an expected part of development that brings about many changes in the body. During this time, children mature into adults.
It is common to experience a few bumps in the road during this transition. But overall, it’s a fairly straightforward process, plus or minus a few growth spurts, hair sprouts, acne breakouts, and menstrual cycles.
However, for boys with central precocious puberty (CPP), starting puberty at an unusually early age, and often several years earlier than their peers, can affect their emotional and mental health. They may experience:
- anxiety
- depression
- body image issues
- low self-esteem
Here’s what you need to know about the emotional and mental impact of CPP and what you can do to help.
CPP is a condition that causes the process of puberty to start at a very young age.
Symptoms of puberty in a boy younger than 9 years old or a girl younger than 8 years old may indicate PPC, depending on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Signs of puberty, regardless of age, include:
- growth spurts
- acne
- body odor
- armpits and pubic hair
- voice deepening in children
- breast development and the beginning of menstruation in girls
- enlargement of the testicles and penis in boys
The exact reason some boys start puberty early is unknown. However, experts believe that in children with CPP, the brain tells the hypothalamus to start releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) sooner than it should.
The cause of this is often unknown. But in some cases, the CPP can come from health problems that occur in the brain, such as:
- a brain tumor
- trauma
- infections
- other brain abnormalities
- radiation to the brain, such as cancer treatment
CPP is more common in girls than in boys. Much of the existing research concerns the psychological and emotional health of girls.
CPP can affect a child’s emotional health as well as their physical health. Children with CPP may be too young to fully understand the changes they are experiencing. The early signs of puberty can lead to increased feelings of embarrassment, embarrassment, frustration, or insecurity in both boys and girls.
Hitting puberty early can trigger a lot of emotions in kids, especially when it happens before their peers, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
Children with CPP can experience significant behavioral, social, and emotional problems. They may also face different social pressures to adapt, as their bodies develop earlier than children of a similar age.
TO study 2019 found that an increase in depressive symptoms appears to be associated with physical changes that emerge early in the pubertal transition, especially for girls who mature earlier than their peers.
For example, those who get their periods early and develop breasts earlier may experience embarrassment and confusion, especially in elementary school when most of their peers are not going through puberty.
TO literature review 2017 found that girls with CPP may also experience mood swings and irritability, which can interfere with family and peer relationships. The researchers also note that girls with CPP deal with a fear of peer comments. Together, these feelings can increase isolation and social withdrawal.
Findings of a study 2019 suggest that early puberty may be a risk factor for mental health disorders. One reason for this, according to the study, is that children who mature physically at a younger age may not have the mental or emotional maturity to deal with the social challenges and stressors that can arise while appearing older than they are. they really are. For example, an early sexual drive can cause problems if a child becomes sexually active before he is mentally or emotionally ready.
Furthermore, the investigation of a study 2018 suggests that earlier ages at first menstruation were associated with higher rates of behavioral problems and depressive symptoms in early and middle adulthood. Behavior problems can include:
- theft
- damage to property
- running away from home
- lie to parents
According to the researchers, this continuation of mental health and behavioral problems into adulthood may have occurred because difficulties that began in adolescence did not abate over time. However, behavioral problems tend to decrease as a person ages and their effects were relatively modest and smaller in magnitude than the effects of depression symptoms.
Helping your child through early puberty is critical. Not only do they rely on you for support and guidance, but sometimes kids just need someone to listen to them when they’re scared, confused, and unsure of themselves.
Here are some things you can do to help your child.
Research CPP and build a team of health professionals
Because CPP affects young children, one role you have is to learn about the condition so you can be your child’s advocate. You can look up information from your child’s doctor or join a support group for parents of children with CPP.
Additionally, addressing CPP often requires a team effort. If you notice signs of early puberty in your child, talk to your primary care doctor, likely a pediatrician. They can refer you to specialists and help you build your child’s health care team. In addition to a pediatrician, this support and treatment team may include an endocrinologist, mental health professional, school counselor, school nurse, and other caregivers.
seek help early
One of the best things you can do for your child is to seek help early. Make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician once you notice symptoms of CPP.
according to a carers survey 2019, minimizing the time between the onset of symptoms and treatment can have a positive impact on a child’s psychological and health-related quality of life.
talk to your son
It is important to understand that many social and emotional factors present with CPP are a normal part of adolescence and the teen years. That’s why it’s critical that you take the time to talk with your child about the changes he’s facing.
Providing a safe space to express how they feel can help minimize some of the stress and confusion they may be experiencing.
Bring mental and emotional health concerns to your child’s doctor
It can be difficult to discern between the regular ups and downs of childhood and the more serious emotional or mental health effects of CPP, so it’s always a good idea to bring your concerns and questions to your child’s pediatrician.
The emotional struggles many children with CPP experience are real. However, experts they caution that this is the only reason to treat CPP and say more research is needed on the risk of psychological effects in children with CPP. Talk to your child’s doctor about CPP treatment options for your child.
If your son needs help dealing with the emotional impact of puberty, you can ask his doctor to recommend a mental health professional to help him learn coping skills.
CPP can cause physical and emotional problems for children. Children with CPP see their bodies change sooner than their peers.
They also feel the pressure to fit in, while at the same time, they’re trying to maneuver through puberty at a much younger age.
Some children will experience depression and anxiety, while others may face body image issues and low self-esteem.
If you notice signs of puberty in a girl younger than 8 years old or a boy younger than 9 years old, make an appointment with your child’s doctor.
A doctor can perform a complete physical exam and discuss treatment options that can help delay puberty until the appropriate age, if necessary. They can also refer you to a mental health expert if needed.
