Hyperactivity, antisocial behavior, and childhood injury: a critical analysis of the literature

Studies investigating the relationship between hyperactivity, antisocial behavior, and injury in children are reviewed. Most of the studies have reported that these behaviors are important risk factors for injury. However, design problems with these studies are noted. Early studies employed inappropriate control groups, or omitted them altogether, whereas more recent studies have used retrospective measures that depend on the recall of mothers and teachers, and which are therefore vulnerable to bias. When, on the other hand, prospective designs were used, a relationship between hyperactivity and injury was not found. In all these recent studies, a relationship between injury and management problem or aggressive behavior was reported. It is concluded that the relationship between hyperactivity and injury is still under question, and that a further prospective study will be required to resolve the issue.