Association of ADHD with reactive and proactive violent behavior in a forensic population

Abstract

ADHD is associated with social problems and aggressive behavior. As hyperactive-impulsive traits are core symptoms of ADHD, it has been hypothesized that reactive-impulsive violence is more likely related to ADHD psychopathology than proactive-instrumental violence. One hundred and twenty-seven adult violent offenders participated in the study. Diagnosis of ADHD and ratings of reactive and proactive features of the committed crimes were performed using standardized instruments. According to DSM-IV, 16.5% subjects fulfilled diagnostic criteria for ADHD, 23.6% were diagnosed as ADHD in partial remission, and 59.8% had no ADHD. Univariate analyses revealed higher reactive violence ratings in both ADHD groups when compared to subjects without ADHD, whereas the opposite was found regarding proactive violence ratings. Using multivariate analyses of variance controlled for age, gender and comorbid substance use disorders, childhood ADHD psychopathology and current ADHD significantly increased the risk of reactive violence and decreased the risk of proactive violence. Significant impact of male gender on proactive violence was found. The findings suggest that ADHD is associated with reactive but not proactive violence in aggressive offenders.

An Epidemiological Study of ADHD, Substance Use, and Comorbid Problems in Incarcerated Women in Sweden

“…This is consistent with the results from prior cross-sectional studies of adult offenders (e.g., Gunter et al, 2008;Retz & Rosler, 2010) and of juvenile offenders a (Fazel, Doll, & Langstrom, 2008). Childhood prevalence of ADHD in the present study was similar to prevalence rate presented in the German study by Rosler et al (2009;30% vs. 24%, respectively).…”

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Violence in the Population of England: Does Comorbidity Matter?

“…The latter characteristics are more common among individuals with ASPD [47,48], result in more serious injuries [49], thereby resulting in criminal convictions, and involve strangers as well as family members [37]. Further investigation may indicate whether proactive and instrumental characteristics of violence are unrelated to ADHD, whereas risk of reactive violence is increased towards close persons, specifically in association with hyperactivity.…”

Sustained release methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD in amphetamine abusers: A pilot study

“…Higher rates of reactive violence rather than proactive violence has been reported in aggressive offenders with ADHD compared to those without ADHD. (Retz and Rosler, 2010) Proactive (i.e. premeditated) violence was more common in the non-ADHD group.…”