Aggression, impulsivity, and plasma sex hormone levels in a group of rapists, in relation to their history of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between retrospectively assessed childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, aggression – impulsivity, and plasma sex hormone levels, in a group of 44 rapists. All participants completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), the Aggression Questionnaire, the Life-Time History of Aggression, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale, the Suicide Risk Scale, and the Temperament and Character Inventory. Levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone were estimated in plasma samples, and free androgen index was calculated. The subgroup of rapists with WURS score of 46 or higher (n = 27) evidenced significantly higher levels of self-reported aggression, life-time history of aggression, and impulsivity, as well as significantly higher scores on novelty seeking and self-transcendence and significantly lower scores on self-directedness and cooperativeness, in comparison with the subgroup with WURS scores of 45 and lower. The WURS score showed a positive correlation with aggression, impulsivity, and suicidality. Plasma sex hormone levels did not show any differences between the two rapist subgroups. History of childhood ADHD symptoms in this sample of rapists was linked to higher levels of aggression, impulsivity, and suicidality, a temperament profile characterized by frequent exploratory activity and quick loss of temper, and a character profile characterized by purposeless, difficulty accepting others, and lack of empathy. Lastly, a history of childhood ADHD symptoms does not seem to be linked to adult plasma sex hormone levels.

Keywords:

• Rapist
• ADHD
• aggression
• impulsivity
• testosterone