Sex differences in adult ADHD: A double dissociation in brain activity and autonomic arousal

Daniel F Hermens; L M Williams; I Lazzaro; S Whitmont; D Melkonian; E Gordon

doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2003.10.006

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Sex differences in adult ADHD: A double dissociation in brain activity and autonomic arousal

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Sex differences in adult ADHD: A double dissociation in brain activity and autonomic arousal

Daniel F Hermens, L M Williams, I Lazzaro, S Whitmont, D Melkonian and E Gordon

Biological Psychology, Vol.66(3), pp.221-233

2004

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2003.10.006

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Abstract

adult ADHD

EEG

SCL

arousal

sex differences

theta

It is now estimated that up to one-half of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children continue to manifest symptoms in adulthood. A striking discrepancy between juvenile and adult populations is the increasing proportion of females with an ADHD diagnosis. To shed light on the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying adult ADHD, electroencephalography (EEG) and electrodermal index of arousal (skin conductance level or SCL) measures were employed under conditions of eyes-closed resting activity. Quantitative EEG (QEEG) and SCL were measured simultaneously and continuously (2min) in 35 ADHD adults (21 males, 14 females) and their age- and sex-matched controls. As a group ADHD adults were found to have EEG and SCL deviations consistent with previous adolescent and juvenile studies. However, adult males (but not females) with ADHD showed increased EEG theta activity. By contrast, adult females (but not males) with ADHD were autonomically hypo-aroused (decreased SCL). These results suggest that distinct mechanisms may underpin adult ADHD in males and females. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Details

Title: Sex differences in adult ADHD: A double dissociation in brain activity and autonomic arousal
Authors: Daniel F Hermens (Author) - University of Sydney
L M Williams (Author) - University of Sydney
I Lazzaro (Author) - University of Sydney
S Whitmont (Author) - University of Sydney
D Melkonian (Author) - University of Sydney
E Gordon (Author) - University of Sydney
Publication details: Biological Psychology, Vol.66(3), pp.221-233
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2004
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2003.10.006
ISSN: 0301-0511
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450699302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Behavioral Sciences; Psychology; Psychology, Biological; Psychology, Experimental

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