XYY syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting only males, characterized by an extra Y chromosome. It can cause behavioral and learning problems, a tall and lean physique, and severe acne. The term “super male syndrome” is inaccurate and offensive, as many XYY males show normal behavior. The condition is rare, often asymptomatic, and not hereditary.
XYY is a genetic disorder that affects only males and is characterized by the presence of an extra Y chromosome: males are typically born with one X and one Y chromosome. The condition is also known as 47 XYY karyotype; people normally have a karyotype of 46 chromosomes. Males affected by XYY syndrome usually do not suffer from any type of mental retardation, nor do they usually show other adverse symptoms. Some males, however, suffer from behavioral and learning problems. The condition is also known to cause lanky and tall body types and can induce severe acne.
For a period of time in the 1960s and 1970s, XYY syndrome was referred to as super male syndrome. The term originates from research gleaned from studies done on prisoners. The studies led researchers to believe that males with XYY syndrome were more likely to display aggressive behavior and, therefore, more likely to engage in criminal activity. Further studies have suggested that the early studies did not take into account the total number of XYY males; in fact, many men with the syndrome were found who showed perfectly normal behavior. As a result, the super male syndrome label was ultimately dismissed as inaccurate and offensive.
While the super male label represented a distorted view, it is true that males with XYY syndrome are considered to be at increased risk of developing behavioral problems, including some aggressive traits, such as a short temper. XYY males are also at higher risk of having learning disabilities, such as a difficulty learning to read. Another disadvantage of the condition is that many XYY males have slightly lower IQs than their peers, but only by a small amount, often not enough to be consequential. It should also be noted that males with the syndrome will not necessarily develop behavioral or learning problems.
Males who have XYY syndrome may appear slightly different from others, with a leaner and taller physique. The physical difference is usually not so conspicuous; in fact they may not be taller or thinner than many of their peers who do not have XYY syndrome. Some XYY males also struggle with severe acne for which they may need medical attention.
XYY syndrome is a rare condition, although it may be slightly more common than experts think – a good number of cases go undiagnosed due to the often asymptomatic nature of the condition. The condition is also not thought to be hereditary. As such, there’s really no way to know in advance who is likely to develop XYY syndrome and who is not.
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