Neurodevelopmental disorders in prison inmates: comorbidity and combined associations with psychiatric symptoms and behavioural disturbance

Abstract

The identification and management of inmates with neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) has been insufficiently addressed in the literature. We estimated the proportion of cases with Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Intellectual disability (ID) in prison, their comorbidity, and associations with disruptive behaviours and with psychiatric symptoms. Further, we examined the role of coexisting ND on psychiatric symptoms and attitudes toward violence. All 390 male inmates underwent an assessment that included the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults 2.0, the Autism Quotient, the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and measures of disruptive behaviours and attitudes towards violence. The percentage of cases with ADHD, ASD and ID were 25%, 9% and 9%. Inmates with ADHD and those with ID had significantly higher levels of disruptive behaviours. The combined ADHD/ASD group had significantly higher scores on global severity symptoms than either ADHD or ASD only. Meanwhile, the combined ADHD/ID group had significantly higher scores of behavioural disturbance than the ADHD-only group. Our findings show the extent of ND in prison, their inter-relations and associations with further mental health problems. Vulnerabilities conferred by ND within the criminal justice system should be addressed via interventions and preventative strategies.

The Unhappy Mental Health Triad: Comorbid Severe Mental Illnesses, Personality Disorders, and Substance Use Disorders in Prison Populations

“…The interview schedule of our study did not include the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual TABLE 2 | Sociodemographic and criminal characteristics of male and female prisoners with and without the comorbid triad of mental disorders: severe mental illnesses (SMIs), personality disorders (PDs) and substance use disorder (SUD). disability, which may relate to other mental disorders and disruptive behaviors in prison populations (39). It was conducted in Chile, and the findings may not be applicable to other high-income economies.…”

Few Differences in the Externalizing and Criminal History of Young Violent Offenders With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…The prevalence of ASD in prisons and other secure institutions is considerable. Over the last 20 years, several papers have been published showing that between 10 and 20 percent meet criteria for ASD in these settings (36,(50)(51)(52)(53)(54). There are studies showing that risk factors for persistent criminality and violence seem to be the same for individuals with as without ASD (e.g.…”

A systematic review protocol to explore the prevalence and impacts of neurodevelopmental disorders in the care experienced by the looked after population

“…Furthermore, the results attained from this review might add some value to the existing body of literature that suggest that there might be familial risk, heritability and possible genetic factors associated with some of these disorders [28][29][30][31][32]49]. From an economic and policy perspective; with rising statistics of children entering the care system and an urgent need to meet their needs; this review proposes it is an appropriate time to add to the existing literature in this field.…”

“…However; there is emerging research in the psychiatric and neurological field that suggest that some disorders originate during or after birth and are classified as 'neurodevelopmental' disorders or are associated as such by leading experts in the field [28][29][30][31][32]. These disorders, like other psychiatric disorders significantly cause developmental deficits in emotional regulation, memory, and ability to learn and socialize.These disorders however remain for life [28][29][30][31][32].…”

“…This lack of early diagnosis and intervention can leave the child struggling in the home, school and social setting with no support or understanding; attempting to navigate a world that makes no sense to them which frequently results in a detrimental impact on their health and social wellbeing [36][37][38]40]. This review will explore the prevalence and impact of neurodevelopmental disorders that are based on classifications defined in previous studies in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders but cannot be medically tested for [28][29][30][31][32]. The disorders of interest for this review will be Foetal Alcohol Historically, they have often been omitted or not elaborated upon in research for varying reasons; such as low sample numbers [1,3,20].…”