XYY SYNDROMET

Abstract

Based on studies of 25 males with the XYY syndrome as well as other studies of males with this syndrome a short survey is given of the cytogenetic, aetiological, epidemiological and clinical conditions in males with the karyotype 47,XYY. The aetiology of the chromosome constitution 47,XYY is most probably mainly 'non disjunction' in the second meiotic division, and the prevalence of males with this chromosome constitution is about 1.5 per 1,000. Males with the XYY syndrome have a greater average stature than normal. Most of them have an abnormal testis histology with 'spermatogenic arrest'. There is probably increased frequency of mild nonspecific electroencephalographic deviations and there are certain deviations in the finger print pattern. The average intelligence in these males is probably slightly lower than in the normal population, and the psychological and psychiatric studies hitherto undertaken indicate that these males are often more immature and impulsive with difficulties in forming contact with others. Criminality is most probably somewhat more frequent among these males than in the normal population. (Journal received: 16 April, 1974)