Juvenile delinquency entry and persistence: do attention problems contribute to conduct problems?

Abstract

We examined the role of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in juvenile delinquency. Forty-two incarcerated male delinquents participated. Thirty of these youths met the criterion for conduct disorder (CD), only while 12 met the criterion for CD and ADHD. The results indicated that the latter group were arrested at an earlier age and had more total arrests than those in the former group; however, they did not have more criminal charges against them. The role of intellectual and academic skills in these findings was considered. It appears that ADHD has an important additive influence on the development and persistence of juvenile delinquency. Implications for the behavior therapist are discussed.