Being bullied can lead to stress and depression in kids and teens, and children with chronic diseases - such as endocrine disorders - may be at greater risk of becoming targets for bullies. Researchers from the University of Florida in Gainesville examined whether certain endocrine problems put children at increased risk of being bullied.
Ninety-three 8- to 18-year-old children with endocrine disorders - including type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, short stature, gynecomastia (breast development in boys), precocious (early) puberty, and delayed puberty - participated in the study. Researchers divided the children and teens into two groups: Those with endocrine disorders that had observable physical symptoms (which included gynecomastia, precocious puberty, and delayed puberty) and those with endocrine disorders that didn't have observable physical symptoms (which included diabetes and hypothyroidism). The children and teens then answered questions about whether they'd been bullied in the past month, whether they experienced symptoms of depression, and whether they felt anxious or lonely. Their parents also answered questions about their child's behaviors over the last 6 months.
Overall, one third of the children reported that they were significantly victimized over the last month. In addition, about 6% of the children reported experiencing significant loneliness and almost 20% of the children had significant anxiety in social situations. Furthermore, about 8% of the children experienced clinical depression. If a child reported being bullied, he or she was more likely to experience depression; internal behavior problems like anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, and sadness; and external behavior problems like arguing, fighting, and impulsiveness.
Although researchers initially thought that children with observable endocrine problems would be at greater risk of psychological problems from being bullied, the opposite was actually true: There was a stronger relationship between bullying and depression, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems in children who didn't have observable physical symptoms. According to researchers, bullies may target children who have to do certain activities (like measure blood sugar or take medication) to adhere to their disease treatment. In addition, children who have symptoms that are readily noticeable may receive more support and guidance from teachers and parents, which could reduce the likelihood that they'd become depressed and anxious as a result of peer bullying.
What This Means to You: Being bullied is a reality for about a third of children with endocrine disorders, and being victimized by peers could affect a child's social and psychological well-being. To reduce the incidence of bullying, kids with endocrine disorders may try to hide their condition by avoiding treatment or forgoing special dietary restrictions. It's important to emphasize to your child that skipping treatments or eating the wrong diet aren't the answer - instead, teach your child to respond to bullies by ignoring them, walking away, or involving a teacher.
Talk to your child's teacher, school counselor, or principal if your child is being bullied or teased and the situation requires adult involvement. In addition, if you notice your child has developed symptoms of a behavioral problem, such as sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem, anger, or impulsiveness, talk to your child's doctor.
Source: Eric A. Storch, PhD; Adam B. Lewin, MS; Janet H. Silverstein, MD; Amanda D. Heidgerken, PhD; Melissa S. Strawser, BA; Audrey Baumeister, BA; Gary R. Geffken, PhD; Journal of Pediatrics, December 2004
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2005
