Sex differences in attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: candidate genetic and endocrine mechanisms.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition characterised by severe inattention, pathological impulsivity and hyperactivity; it is relatively common affecting up to 6% of children, and is associated with a risk of long-term adverse educational and social consequences. Males are considerably more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females; the course of the disorder and its associated co-morbidities also appear to be sensitive to sex. Here, I discuss fundamental biological (genetic and endocrine) mechanisms that have been shown to, or could theoretically, contribute towards these sexually dimorphic phenomena. Greater understanding of how and why the sexes differ with respect to ADHD vulnerability should allow us to identify and characterise novel protective and risk factors for the disorder, and should ultimately facilitate improved diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
['Davies|William|W|']
D000818:Animals D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity D001519:Behavior D004703:Endocrine System D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease D006801:Humans D012307:Risk Factors D012727:Sex Characteristics
Autism Basal ganglia Imprinted gene Mouse Rat Sex chromosome Sry Steroid sulfatase Testosterone Thalamus