University College Cork. School of Applied Psychology. Research Seminar. The psychological and lived experience of Kallmann syndrome.
In March 2023 I took part in a talk given at the University College Cork Applied Psychology Department.
Dr Samantha Dockray is running a research project looking at the psychological and social aspects of living with Kallmann syndrome / CHH. The first part of the project involved interviews with 14 patients (7 male and 7 female).
This video is a presentation given by a patient (me) and then Dr Dockray presents some preliminary findings of the review of the patient interviews so far.
It is hoped this will lead to future projects to help in the understanding of the psychological issues patients with Kallmann syndrome / CHH face living with their condition.
Presentation on delayed puberty v Kallmann syndrome - hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Scientific Seminars International.
Delayed puberty: Update on Causes of delayed puberty, treatment, issues on pubertal induction protocols
Presentation posted on 3rd May 2023 given by Dr Richard Quinton of Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Although primarily aimed at health care professionals, mainly paediatricians this presentation can give useful information to patients with Kallmann syndrome / hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
It highlights the protocols used to distinguish Kallmann syndrome / HH from self correcting delayed puberty and outlines the different treatment options available.
Identifying Kallmann syndrome / HH early from self correcting delayed puberty can help in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients, instead of them being told to “wait and see” or being incorrectly labelled as “late bloomers”.
Patient made presentation on Kallmann syndrome.
For me the psychological issues associated with Kallmann syndrome / CHH should have more recognition.
Hormone replacement therapy can help with most (but not all) of the physical symptoms and specialised gonadtropin therapy can help some patients achieve fertility.
However the fact patients miss out on both puberty and adolescence can leave patients with symptoms that last well into adulthood. The psychsocial impact of not developing correctly can leave some patients with poor body image and social confidence problems
Since Kallmann syndrome / CHH comes with a range of symptoms and severities it can affect individual patients differently. Interacting with patient groups to communicate with fellow patients can help patients learn more about their condition and hopefully form a positive outlook.
