Turner syndrome patients as adults: a study of their cognitive profile, psychosocial functioning and psychopathological findings

Abstract

In this study we collected data on the cognitive abilities, psychosocial adjustment and psychopathology of 20 non-institutionalized adult Turner syndrome patients. The majority of them had a normal intelligence, most were socially well adapted and no high prevalence of psychopathology was noted. In only one patient evidence of a serious bipolar hypomanic disorder and antisocial personality was found, and in one other an episode of anorexia nervosa. Nevertheless, 50% of the women expressed feelings of low self-confidence, depression and social insecurity i.e. achieving a mature level of psycho-social functioning remains a problem for a number of Turner individuals. In the counseling process of adult Turner patients special attention should be given to the social and psychological functioning so that intervention can be made if social awkwardness and psychological well-being becomes a problem.