An examination of the interaction between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the family environment, and criminal behavior

The purpose of this study was to examine aspects of the relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and the family environment, illegal behavior, Conduct Disorder, and substance abuse.; Participants were 100 male inmates between the ages of 18 and 68 who were incarcerated at a state correctional facility in the Midwest. Participants meeting pre-specified characteristics were categorized either as "AD/HD" or "non-AD/HD" based upon their responses to the Brown ADD Scales for Adults (Psychological Corporation, 1996) and a questionnaire based on DSM-IV (APA, 1994) diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Family environment variables for both groups were examined retrospectively using the Family Environment Scale (Moos & Moos, 1994). All participants were evaluated retrospectively for Conduct Disorder using another DSM-IV (APA, 1994) derived questionnaire. Participants were also evaluated for substance abuse using the CAGE questionnaire (Ewing & Rouse, 1970) to assess for alcohol abuse and an adaptation of the CAGE to assess for drug abuse.; Discriminant analyses were conducted on family environment variables to determine if there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of family functioning. Results indicated that the participants classified as "AD/HD" consistently described their families of origin as significantly lower in functioning than did the "non-AD/HD" participants. "AD/HD" participants reported family relationships that were significantly less healthy (more conflict, less cohesion) than did the "non-AD/HD" participants. Participants in the "non-AD/HD" group reported a significantly greater orientation toward personal growth experiences in their families, and a significantly greater emphasis on cooperation between members to plan family life as compared to the "AD/HD" participants. Chi-square analyses were used to assess between-group differences in terms of Conduct Disorder and substance abuse. Results indicated that there were significantly higher levels of Conduct Disorder and drug abuse among the "AD/HD" participants.; The results were discussed in light of current theories which attempt to explain the relationship between AD/HD and anti-social or criminal behavior, Conduct Disorder and substance abuse. It was concluded that, given the potential for the development of more severe behavioral disorders among children with AD/HD early identification and treatment of the disorder is essential.