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Childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and violent criminality: a sibling control study
Sebastian Lundström1, Mats Forsman, Henrik Larsson
1Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), University of Gothenburg, Wallinsgatan 8, 431 41, Mölndal, Sweden, sebastian.lundstrom@neuro.gu.se.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|June 29, 2013
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and tic disorders (TDs) increase the risk of violent criminality. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) showed no such association in this study.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Criminology
Background:
- Longitudinal links between ADHD and violent crime are known.
- Limited research exists on the criminality risks associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), tic disorders (TDs), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term association between neurodevelopmental disorders and violent criminality.
- To compare the criminality risks of ADHD, ASDs, TDs, and OCD.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study using Stockholm child and adolescent mental health registers.
- Identified 3,391 children born 1984-1994 with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Compared risk of subsequent violent criminality with matched controls.
Main Results:
- Individuals with ADHD or TDs had an elevated risk of violent crime.
- No significant association was found between ASDs or OCD and violent criminality.
- ADHD and TDs are identified as risk factors for future violent criminal behavior.
Conclusions:
- ADHD and TDs are risk factors for subsequent violent criminality.
- ASDs and OCD are not associated with an increased risk of violent criminality.
- Findings highlight specific neurodevelopmental disorders linked to criminal behavior.
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