Testosterone, intelligence and behavior disorders in young boys

Levels of testosterone were compared with behavioral measures among 45 boys aged 5–11 yr, 25 from a psychiatric group with disruptive behavior disorders and 20 from a normal control group. The boys provided saliva samples for testosterone assay and were evaluated on cognitive ability, academic achievement and behavioral symptoms. Testosterone levels were higher in the psychiatric than the normal group, but only among older boys, aged 9–11. In the overall sample, testosterone was associated with withdrawal and aggression (especially among older boys) and low social involvement in activities (especially among younger boys). After controlling for intelligence, testosterone accounted for 16% of the variance in aggression and 36% of the variance in social withdrawal. Testosterone was not directly related to cognitive ability, but boys with less cognitive ability appeared more adversely affected by high testosterone levels. Findings suggest testosterone may be a useful biological marker for children at risk for disruptive behavior disorders. Whether girls would show similar relations, and whether testosterone levels in young children predict later development and behavior, remains to be determined.