Untreated ADHD Can Increase Criminal Behavior

Untreated ADHD Can Increase Criminal Behavior 9 Untreated ADHD can increase

The treatment of ADHD and the approaches to be employed are reliant on several factors including the age of the individuals suffering the disease, whether to be employed with other approaches and the comorbidities present. ADHD is a major issue in public health and can have negative effects on the families of the patient and society as a whole. As such, understanding the underlying factors of ADHD, its diagnosis and treatment approaches is crucial to how well the condition will be dealt with in the future. This paper looks into six research articles as part of the Capstone project and their studies of ADHD related subjects.

According to Lücke et al. (2017), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is recognized as the standard psychotherapy administered to adults suffering from ADHD. The article highlights that biological factors, including chronic negative feedback during childhood, play a significant role in the development of ADHD as a developmental disorder, which cannot be substantially addressed through CBT alone. The study explores schema therapy, a relatively recent approach gaining popularity for claims of effectiveness in treating chronic psychiatric conditions. Schema therapy focuses on identifying and modifying dysfunctional beliefs and patterns that originate from childhood experiences, known as early maladaptive schemas. The research underscores that adults with ADHD show an increased prevalence of these schemas, which can impair self-perception and coping mechanisms, thereby complicating treatment outcomes. The article emphasizes the need for controlled randomized clinical trials to validate the effectiveness of schema therapy specifically for ADHD (Lücke et al., 2017).

Similarly, Pan et al. (2019) conducted a study comparing the efficacy of CBT alone versus CBT combined with medication in treating adult ADHD. The findings demonstrated that CBT, regardless of its combination with medication, significantly improves cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Notably, the combination of CBT and medication yielded broader improvements, particularly in executive function, although core ADHD symptoms did not differ significantly between groups. The study's significance lies in providing a scientific basis for tailoring treatment plans based on individual patient needs, considering that CBT alone is more effective for daily and functional outcomes, while combined treatment better addresses emotional symptoms. These findings are pivotal given the scarcity of such research in China, expanding global understanding of adult ADHD management (Pan et al., 2019).

Stavrou (2019) investigated novel psychotherapeutic approaches, specifically mentalization and psychodynamic therapy, for treating ADHD in children with comorbid mentalization impairments. The study hypothesized that enhancing mentalization capacity—an individual's ability to understand their own and others’ mental states—could mitigate ADHD symptoms. Children with ADHD and mentalization deficits received psychotherapy incorporating mentalization-focused techniques. Using Rorschach tests before and after treatment, the research demonstrated significant improvement in mentalization capacity and reduction in ADHD symptoms, suggesting a strong link between mentalization and ADHD. These findings have implications for integrating mentalization-based interventions in routine ADHD treatment, especially for cases involving social and emotional regulation difficulties (Stavrou, 2019).

Molina (2016) examined children’s perceptions of parental control and acceptance in relation to ADHD. The study revealed that children with ADHD perceived higher levels of maternal control and lower paternal acceptance compared to children without ADHD. These perceptions correlated with externalizing behaviors, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Importantly, the study found that perceptions of extreme maternal control and paternal acceptance could predict externalizing symptoms in children, emphasizing the importance of parental influences in the development and management of ADHD. Moreover, children attending psychotherapy with unknown ADHD status displayed different perceived parental behaviors, highlighting the importance of parental perceptions in therapeutic contexts (Molina, 2016).

Wieber et al. (2018) explored the challenges faced by pediatricians in diagnosing and treating ADHD, highlighting the importance of multimodal approaches that include pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and occupational interventions. The study involved an online survey revealing that treatment choices are influenced by resource availability, comorbidities, and public attitudes toward medication. Pediatricians reported that involving families and children in decision-making is critical for success. The study also identified barriers such as limited access to psychotherapy and child psychiatry services, which impact comprehensive care. These insights stress the importance of improving resource allocation and collaboration among healthcare providers to optimize ADHD management (Wieber et al., 2018).

Finally, Scholle et al. (2020) analyzed factors predicting the use of psychotherapeutic and medication treatments following an ADHD diagnosis. The study found that boys, children with comorbid conduct and developmental disorders, and those with internalizing symptoms like anxiety and depression were more likely to receive medication. Conversely, psychotherapy was more frequently used for emotional and conduct disorders, with combined treatment modalities being more prevalent among children with neurotic and depressive comorbidities. Notably, children with mental retardation had reduced access to psychotherapy, reflecting disparities in service availability. These findings underscore that internalizing and externalizing symptoms significantly influence treatment choices, highlighting the need for tailored interventions and resource allocation (Scholle et al., 2020).

Paper For Above instruction

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that significantly affects individuals across the lifespan, often leading to academic, occupational, and social challenges. When left untreated, ADHD increases the likelihood of adverse outcomes, including engagement in criminal behaviors, which poses substantial public health concerns. The association between untreated ADHD and criminality is well-documented, with evidence suggesting that impulsivity, poor self-regulation, and emotional dysregulation inherent in ADHD contribute to higher rates of criminal acts among untreated individuals (Barkley, 2015). This paper explores how untreated ADHD can elevate the risk of criminal behavior, supported by recent research findings and clinical insights, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive intervention strategies to mitigate such risks.

Understanding the link between untreated ADHD and criminal activity involves examining core symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and deficits in executive functions. Individuals with untreated ADHD often exhibit poor impulse control, making them prone to engaging in reckless or illegal activities without considering consequences (Barkley, 2015). These behaviors are further compounded by emotional dysregulation, which can lead to frustration, aggression, and difficulty managing anger—factors that escalate the propensity for offending. Moreover, the neurobiological underpinnings of ADHD, particularly dysfunctions in prefrontal cortex regions responsible for executive control, support the biological basis of these behavioral tendencies (Faraone & Biederman, 2016).

Empirical research indicates that untreated ADHD in childhood correlates with a higher incidence of conduct disorder and antisocial behaviors in adolescence and adulthood (Vitte et al., 2016). Longitudinal studies reveal that children with untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors, such as theft, vandalism, and violence, leading to increased criminal justice system involvement (Moffitt et al., 2014). This association suggests that untreated symptoms contribute significantly to the development of antisocial tendencies, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to prevent these trajectories. Furthermore, untreated ADHD is linked with socioeconomic disadvantages, limited educational attainment, and employment instability—all of which can increase susceptibility to criminal environments (Nigg & Nikolas, 2016).

The failure to diagnose or treat ADHD effectively can result from multiple factors, including lack of access to healthcare, social stigma, and misinterpretation of symptoms as mere behavioral problems (Faraone & Glatt, 2018). When untreated, these individuals may be viewed as problematic or defiant, leading to punitive rather than therapeutic responses within the criminal justice system or educational settings. This cycle perpetuates recidivism and disengagement from positive rehabilitation pathways. Addressing these issues requires implementing comprehensive screening programs, increasing awareness among educators and law enforcement, and providing accessible, evidence-based treatments such as medication and behavioral therapy (Barkley, 2015; Faraone & Glatt, 2018).

Pharmacological treatments, particularly stimulant medications like methylphenidate, have proven effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD, which in turn decreases impulsivity and aggressive behaviors associated with criminal acts (Swanson et al., 2017). Evidence suggests that medication adherence, combined with psychosocial interventions, significantly lowers the risk of criminal behavior in at-risk youth and adults (Charach & Gogel, 2017). Conversely, untreated or undertreated ADHD leaves individuals vulnerable to the development of conduct disorders and substance abuse, both of which are strongly linked to criminal activity (Loeber & Hay, 2017). Hence, timely treatment not only improves individual functioning but also serves as a preventative measure against future criminal involvement.

Community-based programs emphasizing psychoeducation, behavioral management, and social skills training can further support individuals with ADHD, fostering prosocial behaviors and reducing antisocial tendencies (Molina et al., 2017). Schools and juvenile justice systems play critical roles in early identification and intervention, advocating for integrated approaches that combine clinical treatment with social support. Such strategies are vital in breaking the cycle of untreated ADHD contributing to criminal behavior, thus alleviating societal burdens and improving individual life trajectories (Pelham & Nigg, 2017). Prevention and early intervention are particularly crucial in at-risk populations where untreated ADHD significantly elevates the likelihood of criminal acts, emphasizing the need for policies that promote access to comprehensive care.

References

• Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment (4th ed.). Guilford Publications.
• Charach, A., & Gogel, H. (2017). Long-term adverse outcomes of untreated ADHD. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(12), 1351-1359.
• Faraone, S. V., & Biederman, J. (2016). The neurobiological basis of ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacology, 41(1), 237-252.
• Faraone, S. V., & Glatt, S. J. (2018). The ADHD phenotype and diagnosis: Recent advances and implications. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(8), 771-778.
• Loeber, R., & Hay, D. (2017). Developmental pathways in conduct disorder. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 26(4), 529-546.
• Moffitt, T. E., et al. (2014). Causes of conduct disorder and delinquency. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 10, 159-179.
• Molina, B. S., et al. (2017). Behavioral and pharmacological treatments in juvenile offenders with ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 46(1), 65-81.
• Nigg, J. T., & Nikolas, M. (2016). Neuropsychological and clinical correlates of ADHD. Child Neuropsychology, 22(2), 251–272.
• Pelham, W. E., & Nigg, J. T. (2017). Prevention strategies for ADHD. Pediatrics, 139(2), e20164049.
• Swanson, J. M., et al. (2017). Stimulant treatment and the risk of later criminal behavior. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(4), 324-328.