We believe that this knowledge should be exchanged and shared so that more focused research may be conducted. That is the purpose of this monograph, which consists of nine articles, each focusing on different pituitary diseases as well as general topics. In the first article, Shimon and Melmed provide an overview of diagnostic and treatment considerations in pituitary disease. This is followed by an article by Weitzner concerning neuropsychiatric considerations in pituitary disease. He presents information derived from research pertaining to patients with brain disease, in general, and the applicability of those data to the understanding of the psychiatric symptoms seen in patients with pituitary disease.
Several articles follow focusing on emotional issues specific to different pituitary diseases.
Sobrinho reviews psychological issues experienced by patients with hyperprolactinemia, while Sonino and Fava discuss the emotional dysfunction found in patients with Cushing's disease. The emotional aspects of acromegaly are discussed by Furman and Ezzat and this is followed by a discussion of emotional issues specific to patients with growth hormone deficiency by Burman and Deijen. In addition to the articles discussing psychological symptoms observed in various pituitary diseases, Meyers presents information regarding the neurocognitive deficits that many patients with pituitary disease experience. Swendloff and Wang describe the effects of pituitary disease on sexual development and functioning. Weitzner and Knutzen complete the monograph with a discussion of the impact that pituitary disease has on the family.