Serotonin, aggression, and parental psychopathology in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Author(s): Newcorn, J. H., Kopstein, I., McKay, K. E., Schwartz, S. T., Siever, L. J., Sharma, V.

Journal/Book: J Amer Acad Child Adolesc Psy. 1997; 36: 351 West Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201-2436. Williams & Wilkins. 1391-1398.

Abstract: Objective: To explore the relationship between central serotonergic (5-HT) function and history of parental aggression in aggressive and nonaggressive boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: History of psychiatric symptoms was assessed in the biological parents of 41 boys with ADHD. The relationship between 5-HT function in aggressive and nonaggressive probands, as assessed via the prolactin response to fenfluramine (FEN) challenge, and parental history of aggression was examined. Results: Aggressive boys with a parental history of aggressive behavior had a significantly lower prolactin response to FEN challenge than aggressive boys without a parental history of aggression. Nonaggressive boys had a prolactin response midway between those of the two aggressive subgroups, and their prolactin response did not vary as a function of parental aggression. Children subdivided on the basis of parental history of other psychiatric symptoms did not differ in their response to the FEN challenge. Conclusions: These data indicate an association between parent aggressive behavior and lower 5-HT function in aggressive boys with ADHD but do not indicate the extent to which this association is environmentally and/or genetically transmitted. There may be different neurochemical mechanisms in familial and nonfamilial aggressive children, which have clinical implications for pharmacological interventions.

Note: Article Halperin JM, CUNY Queens Coll, Dept Psychol, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing,NY 11367 USA

Keyword(s): aggression; serotonin; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; parent psychopathology; children; CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID MONOAMINE; DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR DISORDERS; FAMILY HISTORY METHOD; 5-HYDROXYINDOLEACETIC ACID; PERSONALITY-DISORDERS; IMIPRAMINE BINDING; CONDUCT DISORDER; RHESUS-MONKEYS; D-FENFLURAMINE; ADOLESCENTS

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