Objective: The primary aim of the current study was to objectify a spectrum of persisting subjective psychological complaints in patients with hypopituitarism, at least six months after normalizing of the hormonal disturbances. The secondary aim was to identify illness perceptions and self-efficacy within this patient group.

Methods: 42 adult participants (60% females) with treated hypopituitarism once filled out a psychological test battery. Mood was assessed by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and well-being was assessed by the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (SAL). Illness perceptions were identified using the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Brief Dutch Language Version (IPQ-B DLV) and Self-Efficacy Scale (SES). Patient outcomes were compared to reference values of healthy norm groups.

Results: Participants scored significantly worse on the POMS depression, anger, fatigue and tension subscales, the SCL-90 psychoneuroticism, depression, inadequacy of thinking and acting and sleeping problems subscales and all subscales of the SAL when compared to reference data. Women also scored worse on depression (HADS) and somatic symptoms (SCL-90). Compared to other illnesses, patients with hypopituitarism have more negative illness perceptions on consequences, timeline, identity and emotions. On self-efficacy, most of the participants had an average to high score. 

Conclusion: Despite normalization of hormonal disturbances, patients with hypopituitarism can still experience problems during daily living, such as negative mood states and a decreased psychological well-being.