Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Childhood and Criminal Justice Involvement in Young Adulthood: A Prospective U.S. Cohort Study.

Abstract

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, and children and youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are at increased risk of engaging in rule-breaking and delinquent behaviors. This study investigated associations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in childhood and criminal justice involvement in adolescence and young adulthood. Data were from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a longitudinal U.S. population-based birth cohort study (N=2,733) that randomly sampled births in large U.S. cities in 1998-2000. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis and the use of prescribed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication were reported at age 15 years, whereas criminal justice involvement was reported at age 22 years. Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and criminal justice involvement. Data were analyzed in 2025. Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was significantly associated with higher odds of juvenile justice system involvement (AOR=1.77, p<0.01), being arrested (before and after age 18 years), being charged with a crime after age 18 years, and being incarcerated after age 18 years. However, childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was not significantly associated with being stopped by police at age ≥15 years. AORs remained statistically significant after adjusting for both sociodemographic characteristics and medication use. Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is significantly associated with criminal justice involvement in adolescence and young adulthood. The findings suggest an important opportunity for early intervention to prevent a trajectory toward criminal behavior.