XYY Syndrome
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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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.
Supporting Organizations
Focus Foundation, Inc.
- PO Box 190
- Davidsonville, MD 21035
- Tel: (443)223-7323
- Fax: (410)798-4801
- Email: info@thefocusfoundation.org
- Website: http://www.thefocusfoundation.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Klinefelter Syndrome & Associates
- P.O. Box 872
- Pine, CO 80470-0872
- Tel: (303)400-9040
- Fax: (303)838-0753
- Tel: (888)999-9428
- Email: info@genetic.org
- Website: http://www.genetic.org
March of Dimes
- 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
- White Plains, NY 10605
- Tel: (914)997-4488
- Fax: (914)997-4763
- Email: AskUs@marchofdimes.org or preguntas@nacersano.org
- Website: http://www.marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org
Mental Health America
- 2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
- Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
- USA
- Tel: (703)684-7722
- Fax: (703)684-5968
- Tel: (800)969-6642
- Email: infoctr@mentalhealthamerica.net
- Website: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
- Health Science Writing, Press and Dissemination Branch
- 6001 Executive Boulevard
- Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
- Tel: (301)443-4513
- Fax: (301)443-4279
- Tel: (866)615-6464
- Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov
- Website: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
National Alliance on Mental Illness
- 3803 N. Fairfax Drive
- Suite 100
- Arlington, VA 22203-
- Tel: (703)524-7600
- Fax: (703)524-9094
- Tel: (800)999-6264
- Email: membership@nami.org
- Website: http://www.nami.org
National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
- 1211 Chestnut Street
- Suite 1207
- Philadelphia, PA 19107-6312
- USA
- Tel: (215)751-1810
- Fax: (215)636-6312
- Tel: (800)553-4539
- Email: info@mhselfhelp.org
- Website: http://www.mhselfhelp.org
UNIQUE - Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group
- G1 The Stables
- Station Road West
- Oxted, RH8 9EE
- United Kingdom
- Tel: 0044 (0)1883 723356
- Email: info@rarechromo.org
- Website: http://www.rarechromo.org/html/home.asp
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 10/3/2012
Copyright 2012 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
