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Multiple Origins of Sex Differences in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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Multiple Origins of Sex Differences in Brain

Part of the book series: Research and Perspectives in Endocrine Interactions ((RPEI))

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders; by some criteria it affects about 10 % of school-aged children and nearly 5 % of adults. The current diagnostic criteria evolved from the core features (attention deficits and behavioral excesses) described over 100 years ago by Still (1902). More males than females are recognized and treated for ADHD, but the observed sex difference is smaller in adults than children. To address the topic of the multiple origins of sex differences in ADHD, we discuss some factors that influence ADHD-related sex differences: (1) secular trends that have recently increased the recognition and treatment of ADHD, (2) diagnostic approaches based on the evaluation of symptom severity (a categorical approach) compared to underlying behaviors (a dimensional approach), and (3) study designs that are longitudinal or cross-sectional.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child Development Center, University of California, 19722 Mac Arthur Boulevard, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA

    James M. Swanson & Tim L. Wigal

  2. Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA

    Kimberly D. Lakes

  3. National Institute on Drug Abuse – NIH, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD, 20892-9561, USA

    Nora D. Volkow

Authors
  1. James M. Swanson
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  2. Kimberly D. Lakes
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  3. Tim L. Wigal
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  4. Nora D. Volkow
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Correspondence to James M. Swanson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Lab. of Biochem. and Molec. Biology, The Rockefeller University, York Avenue 1230, New York, 10065, New York, USA

    Donald W. Pfaff

  2. Fondation Ipsen, Quai George Gorse 65, Boulogne Billancourt, 92650, France

    Yves Christen

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Swanson, J.M., Lakes, K.D., Wigal, T.L., Volkow, N.D. (2013). Multiple Origins of Sex Differences in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In: Pfaff, D., Christen, Y. (eds) Multiple Origins of Sex Differences in Brain. Research and Perspectives in Endocrine Interactions. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-33721-5_8

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