Medication for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and criminality.
Paul Lichtenstein1, Linda Halldner, Johan Zetterqvist
1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. paul.lichtenstein@ki.se
The New England Journal of Medicine
|November 23, 2012
Summary
Medication for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly reduced criminality rates in both men and women. This suggests ADHD pharmacologic treatment may lower the risk of criminal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Criminology
Background:
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Studies have indicated a correlation between ADHD and increased criminal behavior.
- Pharmacologic interventions for ADHD are available and may mitigate associated risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ADHD pharmacologic treatment and criminal convictions.
- To determine if ADHD medication use impacts the rate of criminality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Swedish national registers to analyze data from 25,656 ADHD patients (2006-2009).
- Employed stratified Cox regression analyses to compare criminality rates during medication vs. non-medication periods.
- Conducted sensitivity analyses using different drug types and crime outcomes.
Main Results:
- ADHD medication was associated with a 32% reduction in criminality for men and 41% for women.
- Rate reductions persisted between 17% and 46% in sensitivity analyses.
- Significant hazard ratios indicated lower criminality during medication periods.
Conclusions:
- Criminality rates were substantially lower in ADHD patients when undergoing pharmacologic treatment.
- ADHD medication may serve as a protective factor, reducing the risk of criminal behavior.
- Findings support the potential role of pharmacotherapy in managing ADHD-related risks.
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