Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), antisociality and delinquent behavior over the lifespan. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Retz, Wolfgang; Ginsberg, Ylva; Turner, Daniel; Barra, Steffen; Retz-Junginger, Petra; Larsson, Henrik; Asherson, Phil
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 120(2021)
• Page Start: 236
• Page End: 248
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: ADHD -- Antisociality -- Delinquency -- Conduct disorder -- Antisocial personality disorder -- Offenders; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Highlights: ADHD is associated with an increased risk for legal problems, convictions and incarcerations. Delinquent behavior occurs usually early in life and is mediated by conduct disorder. ADHD is associated with earlier onset and an increased risk for re-offending. The rate of co-morbid psychiatric disorders in offenders with ADHD is high. ADHD is often overlooked in prison populations and rarely treated appropriately. Abstract: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is closely linked to the development of conduct problems during socialization in early life and to an increased risk for antisocial activities and delinquency over the lifespan. The interaction between ADHD and common comorbid disorders like substance use disorders as well as changing environmental conditions could mediate the course of antisocial and delinquent behavior with increasing age. However, this complex interaction is only partially understood so far. This review presents current knowledge about the association of ADHD with antisociality and the development of delinquent behavior. Thereby, the relationships between ADHD, conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder in offenders are discussed, as well as the impact of comorbid psychiatric disorders and psychosocial conditions on offending behavior. Also, treatment studies in offender populations with ADHD are presented. Although our understanding of the role of ADHD in the development of criminal behavior has substantially improved during the last two decades, more research is needed to further elucidate the mechanisms generating unfavorable outcomes and to engender adequate treatment strategies for this population at risk. Moreover, more attention is needed on children with conduct problems in order to avoid antisocial or delinquent behaviors over the lifespan.