Cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolites in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

F X Castellanos; J Elia; M J Kruesi; C S Gulotta; I N Mefford; W Z Potter; G F Ritchie; J L Rapoport

doi:10.1016/0165-1781(94)90076-0

Cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolites in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Psychiatry Res. 1994 Jun;52(3):305-16. doi: 10.1016/0165-1781(94)90076-0.

Authors

F X Castellanos¹, J Elia, M J Kruesi, C S Gulotta, I N Mefford, W Z Potter, G F Ritchie, J L Rapoport

Affiliation

¹ Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Bethesda, MD 20892.

PMID: 7527565
DOI: 10.1016/0165-1781(94)90076-0

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma, and urinary monoamine metabolites were determined for 29 boys, aged 6-12, with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Levels of CSF 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), the metabolites of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, respectively, correlated significantly with behavioral measures of aggression and impulsivity/hyperactivity. However, these correlations were in the unexpected direction; for example, CSF 5-HIAA correlated positively with the Brown-Goodwin Lifetime History of Aggression Scale. HVA in CSF was positively correlated with several measures of hyperactivity. The replicability of these findings, as well as possible socioenvironmental effects, and the predictive value of CSF monoamines in prepubertal hyperactivity are the subjects of ongoing study.

Publication types

Clinical Trial
Comparative Study
Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Aggression / drug effects
Aggression / physiology
Aggression / psychology
Attention / drug effects
Attention / physiology
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / cerebrospinal fluid*
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
Child
Dextroamphetamine / therapeutic use
Double-Blind Method
Homovanillic Acid / cerebrospinal fluid
Humans
Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / cerebrospinal fluid
Impulsive Behavior / cerebrospinal fluid
Impulsive Behavior / diagnosis
Impulsive Behavior / drug therapy
Impulsive Behavior / psychology
Male
Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / cerebrospinal fluid
Methylphenidate / therapeutic use
Motor Activity / drug effects
Motor Activity / physiology
Neurotransmitter Agents / cerebrospinal fluid*

Substances

Neurotransmitter Agents
Methylphenidate
Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol
Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
Dextroamphetamine
Homovanillic Acid