Some mild forms of genetic disorders go unnoticed in children who are diagnosed with ADHD. Turner syndrome may be one of these mild disorders. Females have two X chromosomes in all the body's cells. Girls with Turners have only one or part of another X chromosome. Because the ovaries are not developed, the girl is always sterile and will not begin puberty or have menstrual periods without hormone therapy. She may have heart defects, kidney problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and vision or hearing problems. Although the condition cannot be cured, many of the symptoms may be treated.

ADHD sometimes affects behavior in childhood. In general, the girls have normal intelligence, but they may have learning differences that make verbal learning easier and math difficult. They have difficulty with visualspatial skills such as reading maps; memory and motor coordination may also present difficulties.

A questionnaire of parents conducted by the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States revealed some common threads of behavior. As an infant or child, the baby never slept or had difficulty sleeping. She was always on the go and had mood swings. The parents noted the girls were intense or spirited and had no middle mood. They had difficulty in dealing with new situations and needed help adjusting to novel situations. Some parents described the girls as oppositional, strong-willed, or stubborn. At the same time, they could be smart, articulate, kind, sweet, gifted in some areas, and big talkers. McCauley et al. (2002) published a study of behavior and self-esteem with Turner girls. She found statistical differences in the following three areas: social competence, behavioral problems, and anxiety.

Some of the same attributes are seen in children with ADHD. Mild cases of Turners syndrome are confused and misdiagnosed as ADHD and ADHD medications are prescribed.

Bibliography:

McCauley, E. et al. 2002. Self-esteem and behavior in girls with Turner syndrome. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 16(2):82-88

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