Final answer:
Psychosocial Dwarfism is a pituitary dwarfism disorder in children characterized by growth retar/dation due to low levels of GH, often linked with emotional deprivation or stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychosocial dwarfism is a pituitary dwarfism disorder that arises in children due to an abnormally low level of growth hormone (GH), leading to growth retar/dation. This condition is typically diagnosed in children who are at least two standard deviations below the median height for their age in a reference population. The cause of this deficiency is not purely biological; it is associated with severe emotional deprivation or stress, such as that found in some cases of child abuse or neglect. Despite the physical height impairment, the mental and sexual abilities are generally developed normally.
Stunting growth can unfortunately occur due to a number of factors. While genetic conditions like Achondroplasia can cause inherited forms of dwarfism, issues related both to the endocrine system, such as hyposecretion of GH, and to psychosocial factors are also influential. A balanced production of GH is crucial for development, as underproduction in children can result in dwarfism with symmetric body formation, whereas overproduction might lead to gigantism or acromegaly in adults.
Genetic disorders like Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and diseases like muscular dystrophy may also contribute to shorter stature, though they are different from psychosocial dwarfism. There are overlaps in these conditions like growth deficits, but each has unique causes and features.