title: DSM-IV learning disorders in 10- to 12-year-old boys with and without a parental history of substance use disorders.
abstract: This research examined whether learning disorders (LDs) among 10- to 12-year-old boys are related to a parental history of alcohol and other substance use disorders (SUDs). Subjects were boys with (SA+; n = 179) and without (SA-; n = 203) a parental history of SUDs. LD diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV criteria using several standardized intelligence tests, and mother and teacher reports of academic and cognitive difficulties. The results indicated a higher rate of DSM-IV LDs in SA+ compared to SA- boys. This association remained significant after accounting for the effects of socioeconomic status and ethnicity. SA+ boys with a lower socioeconomic status had particularly high rates of LDs (15.3%). The results suggest that LDs are associated with a parental history of SUDs. SA+ children with lower SES may be at particularly high risk for cognitive and academic difficulties.
authors.affiliation: Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research (CEDAR), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Romig
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kirisci
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data