Gynecomastia in Adolescence

Psychosocial Impact of Adolescent Gynecomastia

“…27 Related reports reveal a higher association of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and suicidal ideation. 9,11,12,14,15 Supporting this existing literature, the participants with gynecomastia in our study had a significantly lower rating of self-esteem as measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the mental health, social functioning, and role-emotional domains of the Short Form-36 than male controls independent of body mass index, suggesting that these emotional impairments are due to gynecomastia and are not a product of being overweight. In addition, "adolescence" itself does not account for these differences, as there was no age difference between those with and without gynecomastia in our study.…”

“…12,14,15 Case reports concerning adolescents with gynecomastia have described increased feelings of loneliness, restlessness, and tension in these patients. 27 Related reports reveal a higher association of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and suicidal ideation.…”

“…For subjects 20 years of age or younger, body mass index classification was derived using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adult Body Mass Index Calculator. 18,15 For these older patients, the following weight categories were defined: normal weight, body mass index ϭ 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m 2 ; underweight, less than 18.5 kg/m 2 ; overweight, 25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 ; and obese, 30 kg/m 2 or higher.…”

“…Published work consists largely of single case reports using psychological assessments and retrospective chart reviews. [12][13][14][15][16] These studies suggest a considerable impact on younger patients with gynecomastia, but prospective data will better inform patients, families, and providers when making treatment decisions. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the physical and psychological impact of gynecomastia on adolescent males using a prospective study design.…”

The Psychological Burden of Idiopathic Adolescent Gynecomastia

“…Though usually transient, with only 7.7 percent of patients having persistent gynecomastia beyond their teenage years, 1 this condition occurs at a psychologically sensitive and critical period in the development of identity. 2,3 At this age, children are solidifying their body image, self-esteem, and sexual identity. The severity of breast development also affects psychological development, as gynecomastia can vary from small subareolar glandular budding (grade I) to large pendulous breasts (grade IV).…”