Transcultural study of Turner's syndrome

Abstract

A transcultural questionnaire study was made of 111 girls with Turner's syndrome aged 17 to 30 from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the FRG and Hungary. The study reveals that there is still too much secrecy and ignorance concerning Turner's syndrome, and the diagnosis should be made and presented together with full information much earlier than at present, preferably at birth. More and better information concerning Turner's syndrome is needed in all participating countries, but more in some countries than in others. The study further shows that there is a great need for the establishment of Turner's syndrome societies or Turner contact groups so that such groups are available in all countries. The study also shows that in spite of personality profiles with characteristics such as happy, active, extroverted, realistic, talkative, and good contact abilities, far too many girls with Turner's syndrome suffer from anxiety, loneliness and inferiority feelings, especially in certain countries. This is definitely due to environmental factors that ought to be changed and can be changed by an increase in the level of information and research, together with establishment of Turner contact groups in all countries.