The study findings showed that girls with ADHD were at increased risk of having abuse histories compared with preadolescent girls without ADHD. The girls with both ADHD and an abuse history were different from their ADHD counterparts without abuse histories regarding their levels of externalizing behavior and rejection from peers. Girls in the ADHD subgroup with abuse histories were significantly more likely to be aggressive. No support was found for hypotheses that abuse history combined with ADHD would produce higher internalizing disorders or cognitive/achievement deficits. The findings suggest that if abuse is not addressed in the course of treatment for ADHD, associated symptoms may go unchecked and may even worsen as the child develops. The study examined the rates and correlates of child abuse in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of girls with ADHD (n=140) and a matched comparison sample of girls without ADHD (n=88). All of the girls were between the ages of 6 and 12. A chart review reliably documented rates of physical and sexual abuse in both samples. Parents, teachers, and trained observers assessed externalizing (aggression) and internalizing (emotional disorders) characteristics of all groups. Acceptance among peers, cognitive performance, and academic achievement were also assessed for all study participants. 3 tables and 47 references