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General Discussion Summary XYY syndrome is a rare chromosomal disorder that affects males. It is caused by the presence of an extra Y chromosome. Males normally have one X and one Y chromosome. However, individuals with this syndrome have one X and two Y chromosomes. Affected individuals are usually very tall. Many experience severe acne during adolescence. Additional symptoms may include learning disabilities and behavioral problems such as impulsivity. Intelligence is usually in the normal range, although IQ is on average 10-15 points lower than siblings. Introduction In the past, there were many misconceptions about this disease. It was sometimes called the super-male disease because men with this syndrome were thought to be overly-aggressive and lacking in empathy. Recent studies have shown that this is not the case. Although individuals with XYY syndrome have an increased risk for learning disabilities and behavioral problems, they are not overly aggressive, nor are they at an increased risk of any serious mental illness. Because these boys are at a higher risk for having learning disabilities, they may benefit from speech therapy, tutoring, and general awareness of the specific issues they struggle with. Although the first years of school may be more challenging for boys with XYY syndrome, they generally go on to lead full, healthy, and normal lives. Signs & Symptoms Characteristics of XYY syndrome are often subtle and do not necessarily suggest a serious chromosomal disorder. Thus, males with this condition are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The most common physical difference is increased height, which usually becomes apparent after the age of five or six, and results in an average height of about 6 feet, 3 inches by adulthood. Some individuals with XYY also develop severe cystic acne during adolescence. Fertility and sexual development are normal. Besides the potential for increased height, most affected individuals typically have a normal physical appearance (phenotype). Boys with XYY syndrome typically have normal intelligence, although, on average, IQ is 10 to 15 points lower than siblings. Affected boys may exhibit mild delays in reaching developmental milestones. Learning disabilities have been reported in up to 50 percent of cases, most commonly speech delays and language problems. Reading difficulties are common due to an increased incidence of dyslexia. In some cases, affected individuals develop behavioral problems such as an explosive temper, hyperactivity, impulsivity, defiant actions, or, in some cases, antisocial behavior. There is a higher rate of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and a smaller increased risk for having an autism spectrum disorder. Causes XYY syndrome is a rare chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra Y chromosome. Normally, males have 46 chromosomes including one X and one Y chromosome. Males with XYY syndrome have 47 chromosomes, two of which are Y chromosomes. Most cases of XYY syndrome are due to a cell division error in the sperm prior to conception. Rarely, the cell division error occurs after conception resulting in a mosiac of cells with 46 chromosomes and 47 chromosomes. The exact cause for why these errors in cell division occur is not understood. Affected Populations XYY syndrome is a rare chromosomal disorder present at birth that affects only males. It is estimated to occur in approximately one in 1,000 live births. #XYYSyndromeDiseaseOrMedicalCondition #HealthIndustry #XYY #syndrome #sexChromosomeVariation #xAndYChromosomeVariation #47XYY #xyySyndrome #JacobsSyndrome #chromosomalAbnormalities #ChromosomalDisorders #TurnerSyndrome #KlinefelterSyndrome #Trisomy #MosaicsAndChimeras #CriDuChatSyndrome #fragileXSyndrome #rettSyndrome #NikolaysGeneticsLessons #sexChromosomeVariations #47XXY #Klinefelter39sSyndrome #klinefelter
