PARENTAL DIVORCE AND NEUROENDOCRINE CHANGES IN ADOLESCENTS

Plasma noradrenaline (NE), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrat ions were examined in basal conditions and after stimulation by the st ep test in two groups of psychophysically healthy adolescent girls, 18 from divorced families and 16 from non-divorced families. Basal NE, A CTH, GH, PRL values did not differ in the two groups, whereas those of LH were significantly lower in the adolescents from divorced parents than in those from non-divorced families. Responses of NE and ACTH to the stimulus were normal, of GH and PRL were weaker, and of LH slightl y weaker in children of divorced parents. An impaired catecholaminergi c and serotoninergic tonus in children of disrupted families might und erly the hormonal alterations.