Citation

Gordon V, Williams DJ, Donnelly PD. Public Health 2012; 126(4): 343-348.

Affiliation

School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Medical and Biological Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9TF, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.puhe.2012.01.004

PMID

22342077

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity) and violent and non-violent prison breaches of discipline in incarcerated male youths aged 18-21 years. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study of 169 male youth offenders incarcerated in Scottish prisons and classified as 'symptomatic' or 'non-symptomatic' of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms. METHODS: ADHD symptoms were measured using the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales - Self Report: Long Version, and prison breaches of discipline were gathered from the Scottish Prison Service's Prisoner Records System. RESULTS: Youths who were symptomatic of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) ADHD total symptoms had a significantly higher number of prison breaches of discipline than those who were non-symptomatic. Youths who were symptomatic of DSM-IV hyperactive/impulsive symptoms had a significantly higher number of violent and non-violent prison breaches of discipline than those who were non-symptomatic. However, no such significant difference was found between youths who were symptomatic and non-symptomatic of DSM-IV inattentive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Young male offenders who are symptomatic of ADHD have a higher number of prison breaches of discipline. In particular, symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity are associated with breaches of both a violent and non-violent nature. Implications of such symptoms on rehabilitation and recidivism are discussed.

Language: en