Association of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone with externalizing behavior in adolescent boys and girls.

Background: While an association between androgens and different types of aggression has been well documented in male offenders, the influence of androgens on externalizing behavior in adolescents at risk for antisocial behavior has not been investigated so far.

Methods: Plasma levels of the main androgen metabolites testosterone (T) and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured in N = 87 fourteen-year-old (36 boys, 51 girls) from a prospective longitudinal study of children at risk. Externalizing behavior at age 8, 11 and 14 was assessed using the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF).