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Contribution to Book
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Pubertal Changes
Adolescent Behavior Research: International Perspectives (2007)
  • Catherine A. Martin, University of Kentucky
  • Greg Guenthner, University of Kentucky
  • Christopher Bingcang, University of Kentucky
  • W. Jackson Smith, University of Kentucky
  • Thomas Curry, University of Kentucky
  • Hatim A. Omar, University of Kentucky
  • Mary Kay Rayens, University of Kentucky
  • Thomas H. Kelly, University of Kentucky
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the relationship of pubertal changes and sensation seeking (SS) in adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Patients with current or past histories of uncomplicated stimulant medication use for ADHD between the ages of 11 and 15 (13 ± 1.5) were recruited from a Child Psychiatry and a General Pediatric Clinic. SS was measured using the SS Scale for Children. Pubertal development was measured using Tanner staging, free testosterone, and DHEAS. Subjects and their parent were interviewed with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC). SS total score was correlated with Tanner stage, free testosterone, and DHEAS (p ≤ 0.01). The combined parent and child reports of symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder from the DISC were inversely related to age (p ≤ 0.05). Understanding SS in ADHD adolescents as they move through puberty will aid clinicians in monitoring ADHD adolescents and their trajectory into high-risk behaviors.
Keywords
  • puberty,
  • sensation seeking,
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
  • testosterone,
  • DHEAS,
  • sex,
  • United States
Publication Date
2007
Editor
Joav Merrick and Hatim A. Omar
Publisher
Nova Science Publishers
Series
Health and Human Development
ISBN
1-60021-649-8
Publisher Statement
Published in Adolescent Behavior Research: International Perspectives. Joav Merrick, & Hatim A. Omar, (Eds.). p. 161-166.

© 2007 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Reprinted as an article in The Scientific World Journal, v 6, 9. 637-642.
Citation Information
Catherine A. Martin, Greg Guenthner, Christopher Bingcang, W. Jackson Smith, et al.. "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Pubertal Changes" NY, NYAdolescent Behavior Research: International Perspectives (2007) p. 161 - 166
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/hatim_omar/101/