| Fragile X is a family of genetic conditions. Fragile X | | | | anxiety and mood swings. |
| syndrome also known Martin-Bell syndrome. It is | | | | There may also be characteristic facial features, such |
| caused by an abnormality in a single gene. Fragile X | | | | as a long face and large ears. Other physical features |
| syndrome caused by mutation of the FMR1 gene on | | | | include flat feet and hyperextensible joints. Fragile X |
| the X chromosome. It affects approximately 1 in | | | | has no cure. But several treatments are |
| every 1,000 to 2,000 male individuals, and the female | | | | recommended for individuals with this disorder, |
| carrier frequency may be substantially higher. Males | | | | including mild medications for behavior problems and |
| afflicted with this syndrome typically have a | | | | therapies for speech and language and sensory |
| moderate to severe form of intellectual handicap. | | | | improvement. Some children with fragile X syndrome |
| Females may also be affected but generally have a | | | | benefit from medications that improve their |
| mild form of impairment. All males who carry the | | | | behavioral symptoms so that they are better able to |
| mutation will pass it to their daughters. | | | | learn. Some commonly used medications include |
| Females have a 50% chance of passing the condition | | | | antidepressants, stimulants (such as Ritalin, used for |
| to their children. Boys and girls can both be affected, | | | | hyperactivity). |
| but because boys have only one X chromosome, a | | | | Other medications anti seizure drugs it is a most |
| single fragile X is likely to affect them more severely. | | | | commonly used for behavioral and mood problems. |
| Girls with fragile X syndrome generally have fewer | | | | Genetic counseling may help parents and families |
| physical signs of the disorder than males, though | | | | overcome the worry and distress of a positive test. |
| some have large ears. Fragile X-associated primary | | | | Genetic counseling is important for women who have |
| ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), a problem with ovarian | | | | premutations and full mutations or who are carrying |
| function which can lead to infertility and early | | | | an affected child. Local fragile X associations can |
| menopause in some female gene carriers. Symptoms | | | | assist by providing support by families in a similar |
| of Fragile X syndrome include hyperactivity, attention | | | | situation and in referring families to professional |
| deficit disorder, emotional and behavioural problems, | | | | sources of counseling. |