Predicting substance abuse in juvenile offenders: attention deficit disorder versus aggressivity

The relative predictive significance of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and aggressive behavior for consequent substance abuse was examined in 114 juvenile offenders. ADD, aggressivity, and substance abuse were assessed according to DSM-III criteria. Results from logistic regression indicate that aggressivity, but not an ADD diagnosis, significantly predicts substance abuse. Therefore, previously reported associations between ADD and substance abuse may be confounded by concurrent symptoms of aggression.