Gynecomastia in Adolescents: Impact on Mental Health and Body Image

Indian Pediatr. 2025 Jun 18. doi: 10.1007/s13312-025-00113-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore depression, anxiety, and body image issues in adolescents with gynecomastia.

METHODS: Forty adolescents aged 12-18 years diagnosed with gynecomastia and 40 age-matched volunteer healthy adolescent boys were enrolled. Mental health issues were assessed using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE).

RESULTS: The mean (SD) BFNE [29.82 (10.08) vs. 24.62 (9.96); P = 0.023] and the SAAS [42.27 (18.15) vs. 31.32 (14.71); P = 0.004] scales were significantly higher in the patient group compared to controls. A significant negative correlation was observed between age and SAAS (r = – 0.349), and age and BFNE (r = – 0.522). A significant positive correlation was seen between SAAS and the grade of gynecomastia (r = 0.479).

CONCLUSION: Early psychological support is needed to reduce distress in adolescents with gynecomastia.

PMID:40531305 | DOI:10.1007/s13312-025-00113-6