A case study of young patients affected by turner syndrome: competences and psychopathology.

AIM This study’s purpose was to evaluate psychological and affective-relational characteristics in a group of pre adolescents and adolescents affected by Turner syndrome, with the aim to focalize the importance of a multidisciplinary intervention. SAMPLE A group of 47 girls affected by Turner syndrome and a group of 47 healthy girls were enrolled. The age of the subjects was between 10 and 19 years. METHODS In order to evaluate emotional and social aspects in Turner girls compared to healthy girls, a semi structured interview took place to collect personal data, family, psycho-social, extra scholastic habits and therapeutic intervention. Besides, in order to evaluate psychopathological dimensions, the Youth Self Report by T. Achenbach was submitted to patients and controls. RESULTS This study highlighted some critical aspects regarding Turner girls, as: not satisfaction by their look; the importance of the relationship with parents which influences both the acceptance of the illness and several other psycho-social aspects; the difficulty with peer group; the presence of psychopathological symptoms (internalizing problems rather than externalizing ones). Who underwent a psychiatric/psychological consultation got benefits particularly about social integration, self-fulfilment and look satisfaction. A multidisciplinary intervention is strongly suggested with patients affected by Turner syndrome, particularly in adolescent age.