Social Problems in Turner Syndrome

Abstract

Turner girls, women and their families have several social problems at all stages of life. The family usually feel shock at the diagnosis of Turner syndrome. In 1991, we organized a Turner society in Osaka. Several other Turner societies have been established in different areas in Japan. A questionnaire about social problems was sent to the members of the Turner Society. Ninety-four responded, and the response rate was 56%. Half of the parents feel that during infancy the Turner girls were difficult to bring up. One third of the mothers indicated that they were too nervous to bring up the baby. During school life, half of the Turner girls were bullied. In academic performance, two thirds of Turner girls were average or better than average. Many Turner girls said that they disliked mathematics and gymnastics. Information about Turner syndrome is important for Turner girls. Not a few of them were upset when they got the information. Of 10 individuals who had a job, three Turner women had experienced difficulty in finding a job. One third of Turner women above 19 years of age have boy friends. We need to follow them up as to marriage.