Skip to main content

Fragile X Syndrome

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 4, 2023.

What is Fragile X Syndrome?

Harvard Health Publishing

Fragile X syndrome is an inherited disorder associated with mental retardation and a particular appearance. It is caused by an error in a small piece of the DNA (genetic blueprint) for the FMR1 gene. This gene is found on the X chromosome, one of the two chromosomes (X and Y) that determine gender. 

In people with fragile X, a particular section of the DNA code — CGG — is "fragile" and gets repeated an unusually large number of times, compared with the normal 5 to 50 times. As a result, the FMR1 gene is not expressed (turned on), and the body cannot produce FMR1 protein, which is related to nerve function. 

Depending on the number of CGG repetitions, fragile X can have a variety of physical, intellectual and behavioral effects. People with more repetitions tend to have more severe symptoms. For example, people with 200 or more CGG repetitions are described as having a full fragile X mutation and usually develop many of the symptoms of fragile X syndrome, including mental retardation.  

People with 59 to 200 CGG repetitions are described as having a fragile X pre-mutation and may not show any obvious signs or symptoms of fragile X syndrome. The number of CGG repetitions can increase when the gene is passed from generation to generation, increasing the chance of developing the full fragile X mutation. 

Fragile X syndrome is seen in approximately 1 in 4,000 to 6,000 males and 1 in 8,000 to 9,000 females. However, many more people carry the fragile X pre-mutation, but show no signs or symptoms of the syndrome. Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation in males.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms vary and can include: 

Fragile X tends to be milder and less obvious in females. A female normally inherits two X chromosomes, one from each parent. If one of the X chromosomes has the fragile X mutation, the other X chromosome, inherited from her unaffected parent, can partially compensate for the incorrect genetic information. About half of affected females show no symptoms of fragile X syndrome. The other half have symptoms, especially learning disabilities, behavioral problems or intellectual impairment. 

In males, fragile X tends to be more obvious and more severe. A male child usually inherits only one X chromosome, from his mother. If that X chromosome has the fragile X mutation, the child most likely will have the full fragile X syndrome because the Y chromosome (inherited from his father) does not carry the genetic information that can compensate for the problem. 

The pre-mutation can also increase the risk of two other disorders: fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). It is also associated with neurocognitive problems. 

Diagnosis

The doctor may suspect that your child has fragile X syndrome based on your child's physical appearance and symptoms and a history of behavioral problems or learning difficulties at school. Your doctor also may ask about a family history of intellectual or behavioral problems. In young children, there may be no obvious physical symptoms, so the suspicion may be just based on developmental delays. 

Your doctor can confirm the presence of a fragile X pre-mutation or mutation by taking a sample of blood and sending it for a DNA test that will count the number of CGG repetitions in the FMR1 gene.

Expected Duration

Fragile X is an inherited genetic problem that is present at birth and lasts throughout life.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent fragile X syndrome. Affected people can have genetic testing and genetic counseling to get information about their risk of passing fragile X to their children.

Treatment

There is no way to correct or remove the extra CGG repetitions that cause fragile X syndrome. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and maximizing a child's potential. This can include: 

Newer approaches to treatment are based on research studies that show changes in brain function related to FMR1 activity. Changes in the FMR1 gene change the way nerve cells "talk" to each other within the brain. Scientists are now studying medications that try to correct this communication breakdown. 

When To Call A Professional

Any child with unexplained developmental delays should be tested for fragile X syndrome, because the symptoms are not very specific in young children. Call your doctor if you suspect that your child has fragile X syndrome that has not been diagnosed or if you have questions about your risk of having a child with fragile X syndrome. If you have a close relative who has been diagnosed with fragile X syndrome or if you have family members with unexplained mental impairment, ask your doctor whether you need to be tested for fragile X.

Prognosis

The outlook for children with fragile X syndrome is better when the disease is diagnosed early. Among people with a full fragile X mutation, about half of females and almost all males have lifelong mental retardation. People with fragile X syndrome usually have a normal lifespan. 

Fragile X carriers can have other symptoms. Among women with a permutation, 1 in 5 experiences premature ovarian failure. Among men and women with a permutation, there is an increased risk of another neurological problem called fragile X tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS).

Additional Info

National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
http://www.aap.org/

National Fragile X Foundation
https://fragilex.org/


Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer