Investigation of an association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and delinquency

Abstract

Previous work has established monocausal links between delinquency and ADHD. This study compares delinquent and non-delinquent patients with ADHD. The childhoods of delinquent individuals were significantly more often characterized by abuse, neglect, and exposure to addictive behaviors, and they had more comorbid personality disorders and substance use disorders. These factors should be regarded as causes of delinquency; ADHD is only an additional component. To compensate for these deficits, protective intervention must begin in childhood.