SEROTONERGIC FUNCTION IN AGGRESSIVE AND NONAGGRESSIVE BOYS WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Objective: This study was designed to assess central serotonergic (5-H T) function in aggressive and nonaggressive boys with attention defici t hyperactivity disorder. Method:Prolactin response to a challenge dos e of the 5HT agonist d,l-fenfluramine was assessed in 25 7-11-1-year-o ld boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who were divided into aggressive and nonaggressive subgroups. In addition, the subgrou ps were compared on plasma catecholamine metabolites and platelet 5-HT . Results: The aggressive group had a significantly greater prolactin response to the fenfluramine challenge than the nonaggressive subgroup . The groups did not differ on peripheral measures of neurotransmitter function Conclusions: These data suggest that aggressive and nonaggre ssive children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder differ in central 5-HT functioning.