Lack of association between severity of ADHD symptoms and salivary oxytocin levels

Impairments in the reactivity of Oxytocin (OT) system were associated with interpersonal difficulties in children with ADHD. The current study aimed to explore the correlation between symptoms severity and salivary OT levels at different time-points in children with ADHD. Symptoms severity was assessed in 50 children with ADHD (28 males, mean age 9.42 ± 1.65) using the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Questionnaire-IV (SNAP-IV) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Salivary OT levels were measured at baseline, as well as 15 min after positive social interaction. There was no statistical correlation between severity of ADHD and salivary OT levels in each of the time points. We conclude that impairments in the reactivity of the OT system in children with ADHD, associated with interpersonal impairments, might be a distinct aspect of the clinical picture, differentiated from the levels of inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or behavioral symptoms. •Children with ADHD tend to show a decrease, instead of an increase, in salivary oxytocin (OT) levels following positive social interaction.•The current analysis shows no association between severity of inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and salivary OT levels.•Impairments in the reactivity of the OT might be a distinct aspect of ADHD, differentiated from other cognitive or behavioral symptoms.