PSYCHOLOGICAL-ASPECTS OF TURNER SYNDROME

Turner syndrome (TS) is a sec-chromosome disorder, occurring in 1 in 2 500 female births. The principal features of TS are short stature and dysfunctional gonads, resulting in a lack of se: hormones, incomplete pubertal development and impaired fertility. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the psychological effects of TS. The main areas covered relate to well-being and psychopathology, self-esteem, s ocial functioning, gender identity, partner relations and sexual funct ioning, coping, family aspects and clinical aspects of cognitive impai rment. Research on the psychological effects of medical intervention i s described, and the methods used for psychological and educational su pport are presented. Finally, methodological issues are discussed and areas for future research are proposed.