Individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are less likely to be convicted of a crime while they are medicated, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 
The study, conducted by a group of Swedish researchers, found that the rate of criminal convictions was 32% lower for men and 41% lower for women when they were taking ADHD medication compared with times when they were not medicated. The study builds on previous studies, which have found a relationship between ADHD and criminal behaviors. The authors wanted to explore the possibility that ADHD medications also had an influence on criminal behavior. They wrote that their research showed a “possibility that the use of medication reduces the risk of criminality among patients with ADHD”. Paul Lichtenstein, lead author of the study, told CNN that the results suggest prison populations could benefit from ADHD screening and potentially reduce repeat offenses. However, the authors did acknowledge the study’s limitations. For example, the Swedish justice system differs from other western countries, so the results may not be the same in the US. The researchers also did not have direct control over when or how patients took their medications, which means other variables could have contributed to the results. Still the results will likely spark the debate over the best treatment options for ADHD. Individuals with ADHD can also be treated with behavior interventions. Perhaps there should be a study conducted to find a potential connection between non-prescription treatment and criminal activity.
The study, conducted by a group of Swedish researchers, found that the rate of criminal convictions was 32% lower for men and 41% lower for women when they were taking ADHD medication compared with times when they were not medicated. The study builds on previous studies, which have found a relationship between ADHD and criminal behaviors. The authors wanted to explore the possibility that ADHD medications also had an influence on criminal behavior. They wrote that their research showed a “possibility that the use of medication reduces the risk of criminality among patients with ADHD”. Paul Lichtenstein, lead author of the study, told CNN that the results suggest prison populations could benefit from ADHD screening and potentially reduce repeat offenses. However, the authors did acknowledge the study’s limitations. For example, the Swedish justice system differs from other western countries, so the results may not be the same in the US. The researchers also did not have direct control over when or how patients took their medications, which means other variables could have contributed to the results. Still the results will likely spark the debate over the best treatment options for ADHD. Individuals with ADHD can also be treated with behavior interventions. Perhaps there should be a study conducted to find a potential connection between non-prescription treatment and criminal activity.
