Psychological well-being of mothers of children with fragile X syndrome

*Małgorzata Lisik¹, Aleksander Sieroń¹, Małgorzata Janas-Kozik², Irena Krupka-Matuszczyk²

Summary
Aim. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of raising mentally retarded children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) on the mother's psychological status.
Material and method. The study included 15 mothers of children diagnosed with FXS. The tests included: Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).
Results. Results obtained in BDI and HAM-D did not show any depressive symptoms. The results obtained in control MMPI scales showed significantly higher values of the Infrequency-Psychopathology (Fp) scale, with the mean result 76.2 T. The results obtained in clinical MMPI scales were within the normal range. Clinical subscales (Harris-Lingoes scales) showed higher values for Hy4 (somatic complaints) subscales.
Conclusion. Mothers of FXS children commonly experience feelings of blame, guilt, embarrassment, and stigmatization. The diagnosis of fragile X syndrome can also have far-reaching genetic and emotional implications for extended family members.

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