Association of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone with externalizing behavior in adolescent boys and girls.
BACKGROUND
While an association between androgens and different types of aggression has been well documented in male offenders, the influence of androgens on externalizing behavior in adolescents at risk for antisocial behavior has not been investigated so far.


METHODS
Plasma levels of the main androgen metabolites testosterone (T) and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured in N = 87 fourteen-year-old (36 boys, 51 girls) from a prospective longitudinal study of children at risk. Externalizing behavior at age 8, 11 and 14 was assessed using the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF).


RESULTS
Significant higher androgen levels (T, DHT) were found in male, but not in female adolescents with elevated scores of externalizing behavior. Moreover, boys with persistent externalizing behavior exhibited the highest levels of plasma androgens.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a link between T, DHT and externalizing behavior in male adolescents at risk for psychopathology. Due to the findings of highest androgen levels in boys with persistent externalizing behavior, a role of androgens in the development of disruptive or later antisocial disorders can be hypothesized.
Maras
Athanasios
A
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, P.O. Box 122120, 68072 Mannheim, Germany. maras@zi-mannheim.de
Laucht
Manfred
M
Gerdes
Dirk
D
Wilhelm
Cindy
C
Lewicka
Sabina
S
Haack
Doris
D
Malisova
Lucie
L
Schmidt
Martin H
MH
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D013739:Testosterone