Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Men and Women Newly Committed to Prison: Clinical Characteristics, Psychiatric Comorbidity, and Quality of Life

• NCJ Number: 230607
• Journal: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 54 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2010 Pages: 361-377
• Author(s): Patricia Westmoreland; Tracy Gunter; Peggy Loveless; Jeff Allen; Bruce Sieleni; Donald W. Black
• Date Published: June 2010
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The study estimated the rate of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adult male and female offenders and examined the demographic and clinical characteristics of those offenders with and without ADHD.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and antisocial behaviors that contribute to criminality, yet studies of ADHD in offenders are few. The authors evaluate a random sample of 319 offenders using a version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Medical Outcome Survey Health Survey. ADHD was present in 68 subjects (21.3 percent). Offenders with ADHD were more likely to report problems with emotional and social functioning and to have higher suicide risk scores (p less than .001). They also had higher rates of mood, anxiety, psychotic, and somatoform disorders. Antisocial and borderline personality disorders were also more common among offenders with ADHD. The authors conclude that ADHD is common in offenders and is associated with comorbid disorders, worse quality of life, and higher risk for suicidal behaviors. Its presence should alert prison staff that the offender is likely to require more intensive mental health services. Tables, figures, and references (Published Abstract)