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Salivary testosterone in children with and without learning disabilities
S W Kirkpatrick1, P S Campbell, R E Wharry
1Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Huntsville 35899.
Physiology & Behavior
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Higher salivary testosterone levels in children may be linked to learning disabilities. This study investigated prepubertal steroid hormone involvement in the development of learning challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sex steroids influence neural development, with abnormal secretion potentially causing functional anomalies.
- Previous research suggests a role for steroid hormones in brain organization and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential involvement of prepubertal steroid hormones in the etiology of learning disabilities.
- To explore the association between salivary testosterone levels and the presence of learning disabilities in children.
Main Methods:
- Salivary testosterone levels were measured in 264 children without learning disabilities and 32 children with learning disabilities.
- A matched analysis was conducted using a subgroup of 32 nonlearning-disabled children to control for age, race, and sex.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between higher salivary testosterone levels and the presence of learning disabilities.
- The matched analysis confirmed the association between elevated testosterone secretion and learning disabilities.
Conclusions:
- Prepubertal testosterone levels may be a contributing factor in some cases of learning disabilities.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms linking testosterone and learning difficulties.