Adult ADHD Among NSW Prisoners: Prevalence and Psychiatric Comorbidity. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moore, Elizabeth; Sunjic, Sandra; Kaye, Sharlene; Archer, Vicki; Indig, Devon
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 20:Number 11(2016)
• Page Start: 958
• Page End: 967
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: adult -- ADHD -- prison -- psychiatric disorder -- substance use disorders -- comorbidity; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054713506263
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: Given the paucity of research among prisoners, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and psychiatric comorbidity associated with adult ADHD.Method: The study was conducted at four NSW correctional facilities (2 male; 2 female).Results: Thirty-five percent of the sample screened positive for adult ADHD, and 17% of the sample met criteria for a full diagnosis. After adjustment, benzodiazepine dependence, borderline personality disorder, social phobia, antisocial personality disorder, and a number of lifetime psychological disorders remained significantly and independently associated with the diagnosis of adult ADHD. Lowering the threshold on the ADHD Self-Rating Scale to ≥3 (vs. ≥4) increased the sensitivity (80%-93%), but lowered the specificity (55%-47%).Conclusion: Adult ADHD among NSW prisoners is elevated, with substance use disorders and psychiatric comorbidity common. A greater acceptance of this disorder among prisoners, and appropriate treatment, is warranted.