Children with sex chromosome trisomy’s (SCT) are more vulnerable to developing behavioral, neurocognitive and social-emotional functioning problems and have an increased risk of psychopathology....Show moreChildren with sex chromosome trisomy’s (SCT) are more vulnerable to developing behavioral, neurocognitive and social-emotional functioning problems and have an increased risk of psychopathology. This study investigates through group comparisons to what extent the timing of diagnosis (prenatal/postnatal) influences the type and degree of problem behavior of children aged 1-7 years. In total, 93 children (71 prenatal and 22 postnatal) with an extra X or Y chromosome and 102 non-clinical controls and their parents participated in the study. Types of problem behavior were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and a medical history questionnaire. The results indicate that children with SCT generally show more total and internalizing problem behavior than typically developing children, but not significantly more externalizing problem behavior. When it comes to specific problem behaviors, SCT children generally have a shorter attention span, are more easily distracted, tend to be more withdrawn and isolated, worry and experience anxieties and are more sensitive to stimuli and moodiness. The results show that no differences are found in total, internalizing and externalizing problem behavior between children with a prenatal and postnatal diagnosis. However, children with a postnatal diagnosis generally worry more excessively, experience anxiety and are often more irritable compared to children with a prenatal diagnosis of SCT. Finally, the results show that temper tantrums/oppositional behavior, short span of attention/distractibility and excessive worry and fear within the clinical group increases with age. In conclusion, this suggests that it is important to bring the possible consequences of SCT to the attention of medical care providers and parents, so that these children do not worry excessively, experience anxiety and are more irritable (anymore). This proves that there is a need for early interventions in children with SCT, to ensure the quality of life and to reduce the risk of mental health problems.Show less
