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This study examined responses to peer provocation in boys ages 9-13 years who met symptomatic criteria for ADHD-only, ODD/CD-only, comorbid ADHD/ODD/CD, or no diagnosis. Boys participated in a reaction-time game that included standardized verbal and behavioral provocation. Their behavioral, physiological, and affective responses to this task were measured. Results showed that groups did not differ following high levels of provocation because all boys behaved aggressively. However, following low provocation boys with comorbid ADHD/ODD/CD had higher levels of behavioral aggression, had greater heart rate acceleration, and were rated as angrier than all other boys. In addition, boys with comorbid ADHD/ODD/CD held a grudge longer than other children. Results suggest that boys with comorbid ADHD/ODD/CD are especially reactive to provocation from their peers. KEY WORDS: ADHD; ODD; CD; reactive aggression; behavior; physiology; affect.

Received August 28, 1996; revision received February 25, 1997, accepted February 26, 1997 Levels of adult distress and ad lib alcohol consumption following interactions with child confederates were investigated in parents of children with no diagnosable psychiatric disorders. Sixty parents (20 married couples and 20 single mothers) interacted with boys trained to enact behaviors characteristic of either normal children or 'deviant' children with externalizing behavior disorders -- attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Relative to the normal child role, interactions with deviant confederates were rated as significantly more unpleasant, resulted in feelings of role inadequacy, and produced significantly more anxiety, depression, and hostility. After the interactions, parents were given the opportunity to drink as much of their preferred alcoholic beverage as they desired while anticipating a second interaction with the same child. The participants consumed more alcohol following exposure to deviant as opposed to normal confederates. KEY WORDS: Stress-induced drinking; alcoholism; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; oppositional defiant disorder; conduct disorder.

A study examined effects of background anger, provocation and methylphenidate on 20 boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (AHDH) classed as high- or low-aggressive. Emotional, physiological and behavioral responses were studied. Background anger, in the form of exposure to adults' angry interactions, increased emotional responding but did not increase aggression toward peers. Provocation increased aggression for both groups, with a 45% increase for the high-aggressives and 20% for low-aggressives. Methylphenidate increased heart rate, but did not interact with other variables.