Falling short? The psychosocial impact of living with Russell-Silver syndrome

Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS) is a rare genetic condition that restricts growth and in many cases, causes asymmetry. There is little research exploring how this appearance-altering, genetic condition affects people's psychosocial functioning. This article reviews the existing literature on short stature and RSS to provide insights for health professionals, and inform ongoing and future research.

Lisa Marie Ballard - Health Psychologist in Training, University of the West of England, and Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton

Angela Fenwick - Associate Professor in Medical Ethics and Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton

Elizabeth Jenkinson - Senior Lecturer, University of the West of England, Bristol

Isabel Karen Temple - Professor of Medical Genetics, Human Development and Health Academic Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton

Being short does not always lead to negative psychosocial outcomes, but resilience is key