Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

The interface between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the criminal justice system is only just starting to be understood. The problem is that, in spite of ADHD being a common disorder in these individuals and for which there are National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for assessment and treatment, this condition is not 'on the radar' of criminal justice agencies and the implications for ADHD being missed or misdiagnosed are not therefore considered. Hence, psychoeducation, training, and screening materials need to be developed and implemented to resolve what appears to be a gap in knowledge and skills. The key questions for this population include: Will multi-modal treatment be effective in reducing institutional disruptive and violent behavior within the prison setting? Will it mean that individuals will engage better in educational, occupational, and therapeutic prison programs? Will this lead to a reduction in recidivism? There is a pressing need for research to answer these important questions as, aside from conferring health gain to the individual and reducing risk in society, there may be important and pragmatic benefits to the justice system. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)