‘Often Fails to Give Close Attention to Detail’: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Criminal Justice Offender Populations

Abstract

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents in approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults. It is characterised by a range of behaviours that represent the extreme and problematic ends of the spectrums of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity across life contexts. The disorder generally presents during childhood and is highly heritable. A variety of genetic/biological liabilities are associated with ADHD. The interaction between these liabilities and suboptimal environmental experiences further increases the likelihood of problematic ADHD symptoms occurring. Especially when untreated, those with ADHD face a disproportionately high risk of calamitous life outcomes. One such potential trajectory is juvenile and/or adult criminal offending. Those with ADHD have been found to be five times more prevalent in juvenile detention settings and ten times more prevalent in adult prisons than they are in the general population. Despite this, ADHD is rarely given serious consideration when it comes to youth and criminal justice policy development and review. We contend that this is a colossal oversight. This oversight is, at least in part, likely due to the ill-informed controversy about the nature of ADHD and its treatment. In this article, we attempt to demystify some of these controversies. We also explain why those with ADHD are overrepresented in youth and criminal justice offender populations. Finally, we put forward ideas aimed at optimally addressing this overrepresentation and its impact on society.