Hormonal and behavioral homeostasis in boys at risk for substance abuse

This study modeled the influences of cortisol reactivity, androgens, age-co rrected pubertal status, parental personality, family and peer dysfunction on behavioral self-regulation (BSR), in boys at high (HAR) and low average risk (LAR) for substance abuse. Differences between risk groups in cortisol and androgen concentrations, and cortisol reactivity were also examined. S ubjects were 10- through 12-year-old sons of substance abusing fathers (HAI R; n = 150) and normal controls (LAR; n = 147). A multidimensional construc t of BSR was developed which utilized multiple measures and multiple inform ants. Boys reported on family dysfunction and deviant behavior among their peers. Parents reported on their propensity to physically abuse their sons, and their own number of DSM-III-R Antisocial Personality Disorder symptoms . Endocrine measures included plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and salivary cortisol. HAR boys, compared to LAR boys, had lower mean concentr ations for testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, salivary cortisol prior to ev oked related potential testing, and lower cortisol reactivity. The number o f maternal Antisocial Personality Disorder symptoms, parental potential for physical abuse, degree of family dysfunction, and peer delinquency were si gnificantly associated with BSR. Parental aggression antisocial personality symptoms and parental physical abuse potential are likely to influence son s' behavioral dysregulation and homeostatic stress reactivity. These key co mponents of liability are posited to increase the likelihood of developing suprathreshold Psychoactive Substance Use Disorder (PSUD). (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.