[Are there sex differences in the manifestation of hyperkinetic syndrome?]

Thirty-nine children (14 girls and 25 boys) were compared for sex differences in the severity of the hyperactive syndrome. A more severe form of the disorder in hyperactive girls suggested by the sex-related multiple threshold model of inheritance could not be shown. The severity of the disorder is considered to be the result of symptom severity combined with the effect on everyday life. The rating instruments used were the Conners Rating Scale and the Steinhausen Global Assessment Scale for Children and Adolescents. No significant differences were found for the symptoms impulsivity, inattention, and overactivity as assessed with the Yale Children's Inventory. However, the boys tended to be even more impulsive than the girls. The results were controlled for age, adverse family and social circumstances and gender-oriented expectations.