Diagnostic and Demographic Differences Between Incarcerated and Nonincarcerated Youth (Ages 6-15) With ADHD in South Carolina. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soltis, Samuel L.; Probst, Janice; Xirasagar, Sudha; Martin, Amy B.; Smith, Bradley H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 21:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: 554
• Page End: 560
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: ADD/ADHD -- adolescent ADHD -- urban youth -- age -- race; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054713506746
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: Analyze diagnostic and demographic factors to identify predictors of delinquency resulting in incarceration within a group of children/adolescents diagnosed with ADHD.Method: The study followed a cohort of 15, 472 Medicaid covered children/adolescents with ADHD, ages 6 to 15 inclusive, between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2006. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev. [ DSM-IV-TR ]), 2000 Codes were used for qualifying diagnosis codes. Available demographic characteristics included race, sex, and residence. The outcome was incarceration at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice during 2005-2006.Results: Among youth with ADHD, incarceration was more likely among black, male, and urban youth. Children/adolescents with comorbid ODD and/or CD were at greater risk compared with those with ADHD alone.Conclusion: Within ADHD-diagnosed youth, comorbid conditions and demographic characteristics increase the risk of incarceration. Intervention and treatment strategies that address behavior among youth with these characteristics are needed to reduce incarceration.