Anxiety in Turner syndrome: Engaging community to address barriers and facilitators to diagnosis and care

Abstract

Turner syndrome (TS), caused by complete or partial loss of the second sex chromosome, is associated with complex medical manifestations. The TS community identifies anxiety as a major contributor to reduced quality of life. The study aimed to improve understanding of anxiety symptomatology, diagnosis, and care in individuals with TS. A mixed methods design integrated community engagement, including community leaders as co‐investigators and a community advisory board, an online survey (N = 135), and in‐depth interviews (N = 10). The majority of respondents reported that anxiety symptoms occur two or more days per week, with self‐advocates reporting more frequent symptoms than caregivers (p = 0.03). Self‐advocates reported feeling anxious more often at school/work; both rater groups reported anxiety‐related behaviors were most likely to be expressed at home. Insomnia was the most common symptom of anxiety endorsed across age and rater groups (>70%). Anxiety symptoms and triggers changed with age and often were undiagnosed or untreated during childhood. Therapy and medication were reported as helpful by most respondents who had tried these strategies. Qualitative themes included: ‘Triggers for anxiety are related to TS’, ‘Anxiety impacts the whole family’, and ‘Opportunities for early identification and intervention’.