ADHD CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

ADHD Criminal Behavior

ADHD Criminal Behavior

Introduction

Little is known about ADHD in adulthood. It has commonly been believed to be restricted to a problem of childhood, however the literature review revealed that long-term adjustment difficulties are in store for a high percentage of children. Hyperactivity was a risk for continuing symptomatology, antisocial and criminal behavior, educational and occupational failure, social maladjustment and personality problems. It is concluded that psychological interventions are a necessary adjunct to stimulant medication to address the negative aspects associated with the ADHD syndrome(Plattner et al 2009).

Criminal Behavior and ADHD

To fully understand the nature of how genes and the environment influence criminal behavior, one must first know how criminal behavior is defined. Law in our society is defined by social and legal institutions, not in biology (Goldstein 2009). Therefore determining what constitutes criminal behavior can envelope a wide variety of activities and for that reason, researchers tend to focus on the wider context of antisocial behavior. Authors Morley and Hall (2003), who have investigated the genetic influences on criminal behavior, point out three different ways to define antisocial behavior. First is equating it with criminality and delinquency, which both involve engaging in criminal acts. Criminality can lead to arrest, conviction, or incarceration for adults, while delinquency is related to juveniles committing unlawful acts (Stern 2001 ). Information can be collected using court and criminal records, as well as self report surveys to analyze the influences that were present. Secondly, they advise individuals to define antisocial behavior is through criteria used to diagnose certain personality disorders. More specifically, they mean those personality disorders, such as Antisocial Personality Disorder, which is associated with an increased risk in criminal activity. A final measure suggested for defining antisocial behavior is by examining personality traits that may be influential in the criminal behavior of individuals. Traits such as aggressiveness and impulsivity are two traits that have been investigated the most (Kaplan Dewey 2007).

With regards to determining the effects the environment plays in criminal behavior there are fewer resources available. Observational studies and reports submitted by parents are two sources, but not everyone agrees on the validity of information collected from these sources. Three additional sources that most researchers cite when gathering information about both genetic and environmental influences are twin, family, and adoption studies (Moffitt 1990).

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly viewed as a childhood disorder. However, it is increasingly being recognized as persisting into adulthood. For example, Mannuzza ., et al (1989), in a 30-year prospective longitudinal study, found a prevalence of 7.4% of ADHD at age 10, which was at follow-up significantly associated with ''a wide range of negative outcomes in adulthood, typical of social exclusion, spanning life domains of education, economic status, housing, relationships, crime and health. These findings hold even when controlling for a host of background personal, familial, social and economic characteristics'' (p. 12). ADHD is therefore appropriately viewed as a developmental disorder that has important implications for prosocial functioning in adult life. Around half of ADHD children will have comorbid Conduct Disorder ...