NCJ Number
191105
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 40 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 1222-1230
Date Published
October 2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study investigated autonomic arousal, orienting, and startle responses in boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Abstract
Because previous research had not considered comorbid conduct disorder (CD), it was under discussion whether ADHD by itself or only the association of ADHD with CD implied a risk of antisocial behavior developing in adulthood. Several characteristics of psychophysiological response have been shown to be associated with future increased likelihood of adult antisocial behavior. Autonomic arousal as well as electrodermal responses to orienting and aversive stimuli were assessed in 26 boys with ADHD+CD compared with 21 boys with ADHD alone and 21 controls. Results showed that boys with a comorbid condition of ADHD+CD showed a gradual reduction of autonomic responses and a more rapid habituation to orienting and aversive startling stimuli compared with age-matched children with ADHD alone. It was concluded that boys with ADHD+CD showed a psychophysiological response pattern that was very similar to that reported in antisocial personalities. These findings gave further support for a higher persistence of antisocial behavior from childhood to adulthood, while no evidence was found that ADHD itself was associated with a predisposition to antisocial behavior. 2 figures, 2 tables, 54 references