Depressive and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with selected endocrine diseases

Depressive and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues in children and adolescents, significantly affecting psychosocial development, school functioning, and quality of life. Patients with chronic endocrine conditions are considered a particularly vulnerable group.

The aim of this study was to review the prevalence and characteristics of depressive and anxiety symptoms among pediatric patients with selected endocrine disorders: growth hormone deficiency (GHD), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), Graves’ disease (GD), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and central precocious puberty (CPP).

A search of the PubMed database was conducted in March and April 2025 for original studies published within the last 10 years, focusing on patients aged 0–18 with the listed conditions. Fourteen studies meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. A standardized search strategy combining Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms was used, and data were extracted regarding methodology, diagnostic tools, and key outcomes.

Children with GHD, CAH, GD, Hashimoto’s disease, and CPP had a significantly higher prevalence of depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. In some cases, symptom severity correlated with hormonal parameters (e.g., TRAb, anti-TPO). Most studies were limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous assessment tools.

Pediatric patients with endocrine disorders are at increased risk for anxiety and depressive disorders. Multicenter prospective studies using validated instruments are urgently needed. Integration of psychological assessment into endocrine care should be considered standard.