In brief
Using linked health and court records for people born in New South Wales between 1990 and 2005, we looked at whether young people treated with stimulants for ADHD were more likely to commit a first or subsequent offence on or off treatment. The study measures the real-world relationship between treatment and offending in a population-based sample rather than a clinic sample.
Abstract
Background: Children and young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at increased risk of criminal offending. This study examines the risk of first-time and repeat offending among individuals with ADHD and potential effect of stimulant medication.
Methods: A population-based, data linkage cohort study of individuals born in New South Wales, Australia between 1990 and 2005 and followed until May 2016. All individuals authorised for stimulant treatment for ADHD were frequency matched (1:10) to controls without ADHD. Proven criminal offences were identified using court records. First and repeat offences were examined separately using modified Cox regression and Prentice-Williams-Peterson models.
Results: The cohort included 75 650 individuals with ADHD (147 855 treated and 525 595 untreated person years) and 745 634 non-ADHD controls. The risk of first offence was higher among cases, but reduced by stimulants (males 10–17 years, untreated HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.95 to 2.10; treated HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.62). The effect estimates for males were reduced for repeat offences (10–17 years: untreated HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.13; treated HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.04). No association with reoffending was found in females, except treated individuals aged 10–17 years had a higher risk (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.56).
Conclusions: ADHD was associated with higher risk of a first criminal offence, but stimulant prescription was associated with lower risk among individuals with ADHD. This association was reduced among repeat offenders, with only modest apparent benefit of treatment among males. Adequate treatment resources may help keep individuals with ADHD out of the criminal justice system.