Genetic Conditions: Turner's Syndrome

Turner’s Syndrome

Turner’s syndrome is a genetic conditions that affects the female’s sex chromosome. In (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001417/) Turner’s syndrome occurs when cells are missing all or part of an X chromosome. It’s common of the female patient to only have one X chromosome. Although, some individuals may have two X chromosomes but one is defective. It is thought that an estimated 1 out of 2000-2500 females suffer from this genetic condition worldwide but it’s usually females with this condition don’t survive their birth. Due to this abnormality, the genes that is defective “affect the growth and sexual development of the female” (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/disorders/whataregd/turner/). However other disabilities and delays do occur even though these traits can vary case by case.

Symptoms/Conditions/Diagnosis

According to the (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/turner-syndrome/DS01017/DSECTION=symptoms), females that suffer from Turner’s syndrome may differ in symptoms drastically. In some, these symptoms may be more evident early on in the individual’s life during infancy or even birth. Possible symptoms include:

• Wide or web-like neck

• Receding or small lower jaw

• High, narrow roof of the mouth (palate)

• Low-set ears

• Low hairline at the back of the head

• Drooping eyelids

• Broad chest with widely spaced nipples

• Short fingers and toes

• Arms that turn outward at the elbows (cubitus valgus)

• Fingernails turned upward

• Swelling of the hands and feet, especially at birth

• Slightly smaller than average height at birth

• Delayed growth

• Sensitivity to noise

 Although for some females, symptoms of Turner’s syndrome aren’t as well evident until later on in the indi...

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...l intelligence, behavioral functions, and self-perceived physical and mental health according to (http://www.turnersyndromefoundation.org/psycho-social.html). Even though females with Turner’s syndrome don’t suffer from major psychological issues, they do suffer from subtle difficulties. They stated that this may included impairments in, nonverbal skills, slowed response times, increased rates of attention deficit disorder, increased risk for social isolation, immaturity, depression, an anxiety while (http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/turner-syndrome/DS01017.html) stated that females with Turner’s syndrome having difficulties functioning well in social situations. It is thought that due to the inability to function well in social situations, these individuals behavior could be deemed as inappropriate which could lead to possible psychological issues mentioned before.