Triple X syndrome: Psychiatric disorders and impaired social functioning as a risk factor

Background: Women with triple X syndrome (TXS) have an extra X chromosome. TXS appeared to be associated with psychiatric disorders in biased or underpowered studies.

Aim: This study aims to describe the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adults with TXS in a relatively large and less biased group of participants.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 34 women with TXS (mean age = 32.9; s.d. = 13.1) and 31 controls (mean age = 34.9; s.d. = 13.7). Psychiatric disorders were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the adult behavior checklist (ABCL). Trait and state anxiety were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Results: In the TXS group, MINI results showed a higher prevalence of major depressive episodes (43.3%), psychotic disorders (29.4%), and suicidality (23.5%). Only 50% of the TXS group earned a normal score for the total syndrome score using the ABCL. In addition, levels of trait anxiety were higher in the TXS group. Only three women in each group received psychotropic medication. Impaired social functioning appeared to represent a major risk factor in TXS as regards psychotic, affective disorders, trait anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Conclusions: Women with TXS are vulnerable to developing psychiatric disorders, and women with both TXS and impaired social functioning are even more vulnerable.