Characterising the psychiatric comorbidities among adults with ADHD who have a history of offending

Abstract

The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adult offenders is significantly higher than in the general population. Adults with ADHD often present with multiple psychiatric comorbidities. This study aims to characterise the comorbidities presented by adults with ADHD who have offended and also to investigate predictors of offending among this population. Seventy-three participants with a diagnosis of adult ADHD were divided into a group with a history of offending behaviour (n = 30) and a group of non-offenders (n = 43). Groups were compared on measures of ADHD symptoms, substance use and DSM-IV Axis I and Axis II disorders using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory – 3rd Edition. Major depression, cannabis use and childhood hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms predicted offending. These findings indicate that adults with ADHD who have a history of offending behaviour are more likely to present with complex psychiatric needs.

Keywords:

• adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• offending
• psychiatric comorbidities
• substance use