Am J Psychiatry 1976; 133:160-164
Copyright © 1976 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychiatric aspects of dwarfism
JS Brust, CV Ford and DL Rimoin
Sixteen adult dwarfs - 11 with achondroplasia and 5 with hypopituitarism -
were studied by means of psychiatric interviews and psychological tests.
There were no significant differences between the two groups; in general,
the subjects had achieved a satisfactory life adjustment despite the stress
of having bodies uniquely different from those of the general population.
They had secure identities as "little people" and successfully used coping
mechanisms such as a sense of humor and a pleasant interpersonal style.
Male dwarfs tended to experience more emotional distress than female
dwarfs.
