Browsing by Subject "tarkkaamattomuus"

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been associated with increased criminality in both clinical and population-based studies. However, the details of and the mechanisms behind ADHD’s connection to increased criminality are not well-known yet. This is understandable considering the complex nature of the association between ADHD and criminality. In the first chapter of this paper the role of Conduct Disorder in the association between ADHD and criminality will be reviewed. Then, the connection of the two symptom dimensions of ADHD (attention-deficit and hyperactivity-impulsivity) to the association between ADHD and criminality will be discussed. In general, ADHD with comorbid Conduct Disorder has been linked to more severe and frequent delinquency compared to uncomplicated ADHD-diagnosis. Children with ADHD have an increased risk of Conduct Disorder compared to the general population. Especially hyperactivity-impulsivity has been connected to the occurrence of comorbid Conduct Disorder. ADHD’s association with Conduct Disorder has been explained with the overlap of the two disorders as well as causally with the symptoms of ADHD possibly predisposing to Conduct Disorder. Attempts to control the effects of comorbid Conduct Disorder has lead to different results regarding the independent association between ADHD and criminality. After controlling for comorbid mental disorders the symptoms of ADHD have been suggested to predispose individuals to less serious and specific types of crimes. The associations of hyperactivity-impulsivity and attentional problems with criminality have also been studied separately. In most studies hyperactivity-impulsivity has been more strongly associated with criminality than attention-deficits. Research regarding the relation of Conduct Disorder and the symptom dimensions of ADHD with the association between ADHD and criminality are partly conflicting. Researching the connection between ADHD and criminality further would be important to be able to settle these conflicts. It would also give psychologists better tools to help individuals with ADHD who could be prone to committing criminal acts.