Does ADHD Medication Reduce Criminal Activity? It’s Complicated

In a blog post that was published recently we looked at the possibility of a connection of treatment-ineffective Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and criminal activities. One of the most important findings of this study was that prompt and regular treatment can help those who are diagnosed with ADHD stay out of prison.

This article expands on the discussion I that was previously discussed. The previous study I reviewed was focused on the amount of convictions in criminal cases for adults with ADHD and the amount of criminal convictions that affect everyone.

This article will review a different study funded from the Swedish Research Council comparing the criminality rates of the exact subset of ADHD patients on medication, versus those who were taken off their medications.

Although the study suggests that medications may reduce the risk of crime for people suffering from ADHD however, we’re far from proving the connection between ADHD medications and lower criminal activity. Let me explain.

Important Study Findings

Since ADHD is linked with crime in a couple of studies and studies, it is crucial to find out whether treatment can reduce the likelihood of being involved in crimes. Particularly the study presented here is focused on the possibility of stopping treatment may increase the likelihood of criminality.

Below are the most intriguing results in the report:

The usage of ADHD medication has cut down the criminal rate by 34 percent or 41 percent. The figures were calculated after considering the various elements that may result in confusion as well as the medication that is used. The same reductions of the incidence of criminality were also observed when using an use of ADHD medication, regardless of the kind of medication, whether stimulant or not.

The results are encouraging and suggest that should a person suffering with ADHD is found guilty of a crime and is determined to follow the prescribed treatment plan and treatment regimen, the likelihood of being a criminal in the future is diminished. The study, however, does not take the approach of providing those with no treatment for their background of ADHD the best chance of defending themselves.

Before deciding whether the implications of this (or any other) research, for a particular case, it is crucial to take into consideration the complexity of the study and its confounding factors.

Complications and Confounders

There are a myriad of aspects that need to consider when determining how the person’s ADHD can have on their behavior. In certain circumstances it may be challenging to adapt to different factors.

If addiction to drugs is a problem that is not treated, it may be more detrimental to the behavior of an individual than a person with untreated ADHD. Imagine a criminal discovered guilty of ADHD after having served their sentence. They are experiencing a relapse and are now taking illegal drugs, despite 5 years of having a clean background. Due to the narcotics use, the person stopped going to appointments with a doctor, and was forced to stop using medication to treat ADHD medications.

If the person is later to be guilty of an additional offense. In this case it is difficult to determine the source of the offense due to the absence ADHD medication, or the usage of illegal substances that trigger ADHD symptoms.

What do you think is the extent to which it is possible that the defendant’s ADHD symptoms impacted their behavior?

One of the most difficult issues for people suffering from ADHD signs is the fact that the symptoms result in behavior that could cause problems, but they also put people in danger and increase the chance of being a criminal. For instance mental illness or insanity can lead to individuals fighting with their peers.

These same traits make it difficult for you to be successful in your job. This could result in you being fired and having to come up with “more creative ways” to get through. Also, deciding between a break from taking ADHD medication and a conviction of crimes isn’t an easy task.

Additionally, the ability to maintain a certain amount in “adulting” is a prerequisite in order to keep up with regular appointments with a physician as well as visits to the pharmacy to procure prescriptions. If one isn’t able to complete this independently or by themselves, they’ll need the help of family members or a beloved one to complete this.

The implication of a study like the one that is in question is that we might not be able determine how much an influence on the patient’s employment status financial situation, financial standing or assistance from family members or their capacity to manage and plan errands capabilities could affect any changes in the degree of crime.

All of this can make it difficult to treat ADHD symptoms. This is just to emphasize that if we believe ADHD treatment to stop crime, it is not the case. It could be necessary to change our views.

Let’s take a look at the facts: medication can be beneficial to adults as well as children suffering from ADHD. If you’re struggling with ADHD then you should think about treating it, rather than avoiding it because of a range of reasons.

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