Comparison of Psychopathy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Brain Dysfunction Among Sex Offenders

• NCJ Number: 231450
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2010 Pages: 177-200
• Author(s): Ron Langevin, Ph.D.; Suzanne Curnoe, B.A., CCW
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examines the relationship in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and brain dysfunction/damage among adult sex offenders.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship of Hare's psychopathy scores (PCL-R) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and brain dysfunction measures in a sample of 1,695 adult male sexual, violent, and nonviolent offenders. ADHD and brain dysfunction were significantly more common among psychopaths than non-psychopaths. Psychopaths showed more neurological disorders and early problems with learning disorders. Although psychopathy is characteristically considered to be an untreatable and dangerous condition, its significant association with ADHD and brain dysfunction indicates that there are important treatment paths that should be explored and that early treatment should be an important consideration in prevention of adult criminal behavior. Tables and references (Published Abstract)