<p> A simple saliva test could be an effective tool in predicting violent behaviour in boys, a new study suggests.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The study, led by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center suggests a link between salivary concentrations of certain hormones and aggression.<br /><br />Researchers, led by psychiatrist Drew Barzman collected saliva samples from 17 boys aged 7-9 years admitted to the hospital for psychiatric care to identify which children were most likely to show aggression and violence.<br /><br />The samples were tested for levels of three hormones: testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol. The severity and frequency of aggression correlated with the levels of these hormones.<br /><br />Barzman’s team focused on rapid, real-time assessment of violence among child and adolescent inpatients, a common problem in psychiatric units. But, he believes a fast and accurate saliva test could eventually have several other applications.<br /><br />“We believe salivary hormone testing has the potential to help doctors monitor which treatments are working best for their patients,” Barzman said in a statement.<br /><br />“And because mental health professionals are far more likely to be assaulted on the job than the average worker, it could offer a quick way to anticipate violent behaviour in child psychiatric units. Eventually, we hope this testing might also provide a tool to help improve safety in schools,” he said.<br /><br />“This study sample, while small, gives us the data we need to move forward,” added Barzman.<br /><br />“We have more studies planned before we can reach a definitive conclusion, but developing a new tool to help us anticipate violent behaviour is our ultimate goal,” said Barzman.<br /></p>
<p> A simple saliva test could be an effective tool in predicting violent behaviour in boys, a new study suggests.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The study, led by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center suggests a link between salivary concentrations of certain hormones and aggression.<br /><br />Researchers, led by psychiatrist Drew Barzman collected saliva samples from 17 boys aged 7-9 years admitted to the hospital for psychiatric care to identify which children were most likely to show aggression and violence.<br /><br />The samples were tested for levels of three hormones: testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol. The severity and frequency of aggression correlated with the levels of these hormones.<br /><br />Barzman’s team focused on rapid, real-time assessment of violence among child and adolescent inpatients, a common problem in psychiatric units. But, he believes a fast and accurate saliva test could eventually have several other applications.<br /><br />“We believe salivary hormone testing has the potential to help doctors monitor which treatments are working best for their patients,” Barzman said in a statement.<br /><br />“And because mental health professionals are far more likely to be assaulted on the job than the average worker, it could offer a quick way to anticipate violent behaviour in child psychiatric units. Eventually, we hope this testing might also provide a tool to help improve safety in schools,” he said.<br /><br />“This study sample, while small, gives us the data we need to move forward,” added Barzman.<br /><br />“We have more studies planned before we can reach a definitive conclusion, but developing a new tool to help us anticipate violent behaviour is our ultimate goal,” said Barzman.<br /></p>