EMOTIONAL DISORDER IN XYY CHILDREN: FOUR CASE REPORTS

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Four boys, from a group of 14 with an XYY chromosome constitution identified by cytogenetic screening at birth, were referred for psychiatric treatment, age 7-9 yr. Presenting symptoms included severe temper tantrums, stealing and enuresis and they were diagnosed as having mild to severe emotional disorders. There were multiple factors of increased risk for psychiatric disturbance in their backgrounds and there was evidence of reactive depression in all 4 boys. Treatment with individual and family psychotherapy, combined with antidepressant medication in 2 of the 4 children and special educational provisions in 1, resulted in good short-term outcome comparable to that achieved in chromosomally normal boys.