Personality and Intelligence in Turner's Syndrome

Abstract

PERSONS with Turner's syndrome were first reported because the signs were unusual.¹ Early case reports were descriptive of many traits apparently associated in the syndrome which were related to possible causes, and to other abnormalities of somatic sexual development.^2-4 Impressions of personality and intelligence were reported also; as the underlying chromosome abnormality was clarified, theoretical implications of the behavioral traits were proposed.⁵ These impressions and theories, as well as recent reports of behavioral sex disorders and mental retardation in persons with other sex chromosome abnormalities,⁶ suggest that the study of such persons may further knowledge of the inborn bases of behavior. Recent advances in cytogenetics, and more systematic clinical studies, make it clear that both impressions of and theories about personality and intelligence in Turner's syndrome need to be reconsidered. Since the literature is scattered, and relevant observations often contained