Behavioural correlates of early-treated congenital hypothyroidism

Parents' and teachers' ratings were used to evaluate the behavioural charac teristics of children with early-treated congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Co mparisons were made between 63 children with early-treated CH and 34 health y controls at the ages of 7.5 and 9.5 y. Additional comparisons were made b etween the two largest CH subgroups (thyroid agenesis, thyroid dysgenesis) and controls. The most marked differences were found on the introversion cl uster and the motor clumsiness scale within it. Children with CH, particula rly those with thyroid agenesis, showed introversion and motor clumsiness r ather than social negativity and inattention. It is suggested that this beh avioural profile may well have its origins in the often-reported inefficien t motor behaviour of these children. Results are discussed in the light of recent findings suggesting an association between thyroid hormone problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: Early-treated CH is associated with introversion rather than wi th social negativity.