Psychiatric difficulties in females with fragile X syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analyses - Takeaways - MDSpire

Psychiatric difficulties in females with fragile X syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analyses

  • By

  • Lauren Jenner

  • Christina Koenig

  • Rachel M. Hantman

  • Abigail L. Hogan

  • Jane E. Roberts

  • Jessica Klusek

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common monogenic cause of autism, with females showing more variable phenotypes than males.

  • 2

    A systematic review identified 37 studies on psychiatric conditions in females with FXS, revealing a significant sex imbalance in research.

  • 3

    Meta-analyses indicated high prevalence rates of anxiety (57%) and depression (41%) among females with FXS, with variability linked to age.

  • 4

    Co-occurring autism was associated with greater psychiatric vulnerability in females with FXS, while intellectual ability showed no consistent associations.

  • 5

    The underrepresentation of females in FXS research likely leads to an underestimation of their psychiatric risks and needs.

Original Source(s)

Psychiatric difficulties in females with fragile X syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analyses

  • by Lauren Jenner, Christina Koenig, Rachel M. Hantman, Abigail L. Hogan, Jane E. Roberts, Jessica Klusek

  • July 8, 2026

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