Investigating the social and emotional consequences of adult-onset craniopharyngioma

Research overview

Many physical health conditions can alter hormone production in the body. These changes in hormone production can have important consequences for behaviour, health and wellbeing but these changes are not well understood.

Social relationships are a key part of who we are, and their success can improve how we feel. Individuals who struggle to maintain relationships have an increased risk of developing physical and mental health disorders.

This project will assess the specific social difficulties patients with a rare type of brain tumor, called adult-onset craniopharyngioma experience. Craniopharyngiomas affect the pituitary gland’s ability to produce hormones.

To date, few studies have investigated the psychological impact of craniopharyngiomas. This project will provide the first in-depth understanding of how this diagnosis affects patient’s lives outside of the clinic.