NCJ Number
72676
Journal
Acta Psychiatric Belgica Volume: 70 Issue: 4 Dated: (1970) Pages: 562-578
Date Published
1970
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Findings of literature on the XYY syndrome, psychological and biological characteristics of the syndrome, and implications of the findings are discussed.
Abstract
First evidence of abnormalities in sex chromosomes were presented in the early sixties. At the same time, it was established that certain abnormalities, particularly the Klinefelter syndrome (XXY), are more common among delinquents than in the general population. The XYY anomaly was described for the first time in 1961 and was related to behavioral difficulties in 1965. Psychological characteristics attributed to the XYY syndrome are early character problems, emotional immaturity, poor socialization, instability, low frustration levels, extreme aggressiveness, inadequate control of impulses, and a lower than average IQ (although the latter is very controversial). The only morphogenic characteristic is large size. The exact cause of the genetic aberration and whether the gene is transmitted from father to son remains uncertain. Electroencephalographic and electrocardiographic findings appear to be within the rage of the normal, although plasma testosterone levels are reportedly high and peroxydase levels in polynucleate neutrophiles are low in relation to the norm. Some cases of testicular ectopia and hypogonadism as well as single cases of certain other anomalies have been observed. An association of mental deficiency with the XYY anomaly is common, but not consistent. While a predisposition to crime may exist in XYY individuals, such persons are not irrevocably fated to criminal behavior. Definite correlations between chromosomes and crime can only be verified in longitudinal studies. No clear connection can as yet be made between chromosome pathology and criminal responsibility. Tables and a bibliography of over 150 citations are furnished.--in French.