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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., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim was to investigate the correlation between ADHD symptom severity and impairments in "theory of mind" (ToM) and empathy, and the improvement in these functions following the administration of methylphenidate (MPH). Fifty children aged 6-12 years with ADHD participated in the study. Symptom severity was assessed using the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Questionnaire-IV (SNAP-IV). ToM performance was assessed using the "ToM test" and the "Faux-Pas Recognition Test". A significant negative correlation was found between the SNAP-IV Conners index, the oppositional and deportment subscales, and ToM test scores. MPH administration improved ToM scores in a magnitude that was negatively correlated with baseline performance. Additionally, Children with more severe behavioral problems showed greater improvement in ToM following administration of MPH. We conclude that severity of ADHD symptoms, most notably behavioral symptoms, is correlated with deficits in ToM. Administration of MPH improves ToM performance, with the greatest improvement occurring in children with more severe behavioral symptoms., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The current study aimed to explore the possible effect of stimulants on oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide which regulates social behavior, as a mediator of the pro-social effect of methylphenidate (MPH) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to healthy controls (HCs). Utilizing a double-blind placebo-controlled design, we compared the performance of 50 children with ADHD and 40 HCs in "theory of mind" (ToM) tasks and examined the effect of a single dose of MPH/placebo on ToM and salivary OT levels in children with ADHD at baseline and following an interpersonal interaction. Children with ADHD displayed significantly poorer ToM performance; however, following MPH administration, their performance normalized and differences between children with ADHD and HC were no longer found. Salivary OT levels at baseline did not differ between children with ADHD and HCs. However, after a parent-child interaction, OT levels were significantly higher in the HC group compared to children with ADHD. Administration of MPH attenuated this difference such that after parent-child interaction differences in OT levels between children with ADHD and HC were no longer found. In the ADHD group, OT levels decreased from administration of placebo to the parent-child interaction. However, the administration of MPH to children with ADHD was associated with an increase in OT levels after the parent-child interaction. We conclude that OT might play a role as a mediator of social deficits in children with ADHD and that the reactivity of the OT system to social interaction in children with ADHD might be impaired. Stimulants may improve ToM and social functions in children with ADHD via its impact on the OT system. PRS: OT and Social Cognition in Children with ADHD: Impact of MPH.