Association between ADHD and psychopathy among inmates in a high-security prison in Portugal

IntroductionADHD is associated with psychopathic traits, both in the general population and in perpetrators, due to the impulsivity, but not the affective component of psychopathy.ObjectivesTo analyze this relationship among a sample of inmates from a high-security male prison, using an instrument that further divides the callous-unemotional factor of psychopathy into boldness and cruelty, and see if they relate to ADHD independently from the impulsivity/disinhibition.MethodsOne hundred and one subjects aged 18–65, with at least 4 years of formal education, were interviewed for socio-demographic data and completed the ASRS-v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) and the TriPM (Triarchic Psychopathy Measure). Subjects were divided into ADHD positive or negative according to their score in the ASRS-v1.1, and then compared regarding TriPM score (total, disinhibition, boldness and cruelty) using Student's t-test. Linear regression was used to assess independency between the subscales of TriPM.ResultsSeventeen subjects scored positive for ADHD. They significantly differed from the non-ADHD group regarding all psychopathy scores (total, t = −5.03, P < 0.0001; disinhibition, t = −3.53, P = 0.0006; and cruelty, t = −4.96, P < 0.0001), except for boldness (t = 1.97, P = 0.005). The cruelty score is independent from boldness (R2 = 0.03) but not from the disinhibition score (R2 = 0.24). Disinhibition and boldness are also unrelated (R2 = 0.01).ConclusionsIn line with previous work, our study shows a strong association between ADHD and psychopathy, with both conditions sharing the disinhibition/impulsivity factor. Although ADHD subjects score higher for cruelty, this isn’t independent from disinhibition, and may be a result of them being more prone to admit to cruel behaviours, due to deficient response inhibition.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Association Between ADHD and Psychopathology Among Prison Inmates

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.076 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S263-S263

Author(s):

A. Machado ◽

D. Rafaela ◽

T. Silva ◽

J. Cerejeira

Keyword(s):

Adult Adhd ◽

Formal Education ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Brief Symptom Inventory ◽

Self Report ◽

Adhd Group ◽

Prison Inmates ◽

Violent Behaviour ◽

Competing Interest

IntroductionSeveral studies showed that among people with ADHD, the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities is the rule, both in general population and in perpetrators.ObjectivesTo analyze the relationship between ADHD and other psychiatric symptoms among prison inmates from a high security male prison in Portugal.MethodsA total of 101 subjects aged 18–65, with at least 4 years of formal education, were interviewed for socio-demographic data and completed the ASRS-v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) and the BSI (Brief Symptom Inventory). Subjects were divided into ADHD positive or negative according to their score on ASRS-v1.1, and then compared regarding BSI scores using Student's t-test.ResultsSeventeen subjects scored positive for ADHD. They significantly differed from the non-ADHD group in the total BSI score (t = −4.27, P < 0.001). When looking into the different subscales of BSI, the groups differed in the subscales of obsessions/compulsions (t = −4.05, P < 0.001), interpersonal sensibility (t = −3.47, P 0.001), hostility (t = −6.71, P < 0.001), paranoia (t = −3.17, P 0.002) and psychotism (t = −3.20, P 0.002), with the ADHD group scoring higher in all the mentioned subscales. No significant differences were found between the groups in the subscales regarding anxiety, depression or somatization.ConclusionsIn line with previous work, our study showed a higher prevalence of psychopathology in prison inmates with ADHD, then in non-ADHD subjects. However, while higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in ADHD subjects is mentioned in other studies, we found no differences between the two groups concerning those subscales. The subscales that significantly differed, point to higher prevalence of disfunctional relationships and a higher tendency for violent behaviour in the ADHD group.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Current and Retrospective Childhood Ratings of Emotional Fluctuations in Adults With ADHD

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2020.571101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Astri J. Lundervold ◽

Anne Halmøy ◽

Emilie S. Nordby ◽

Jan Haavik ◽

Jocelyn I. Meza

Keyword(s):

Adult Adhd ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Strong Association ◽

Control Sample ◽

Emotional Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

Adhd Group ◽

Accuracy Score ◽

Childhood Behavior

Introduction: Emotional fluctuations and mood swings are common among adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Here we investigated if these problems could be retrospectively traced back to childhood behavior.Methods: Adults with an ADHD diagnosis (n = 502, 48% female) and a population-based control sample (n = 818, 59% female) completed the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale (ASRS), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). All participants also provided self-reported information about co-existent psychiatric and somatic diseases, and demographic data. Reports on the MDQ were used to define subgroups with [MDQ(+)] and without [MDQ(–)] life-time periods of emotional fluctuations and the WURS scale was used to retrospectively assess childhood ADHD related behaviors and symptoms.Results: 50.2% of the ADHD group and 5% of the controls were defined with emotional fluctuations [MDQ(+)]. Childhood behavior ratings of “impulsivity,” “loosing of control,” and “trouble with authorities” independently predicted emotional fluctuations reported in adulthood via logistic regression analyses. Inclusion of these three items in a classification analysis gave an accuracy score around 70% in identifying each of the two MDQ categories in the ADHD group.Discussion: The strong association between self-reported features of emotional problems in childhood and in adulthood suggests a trajectory that should be detected and remediated at an early age. Future longitudinal studies should prioritize the examination of developmental mechanisms explaining the persistence of emotional problems from childhood into adulthood.

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ADHD Among Offenders: Prevalence and Relationship With Psychopathic Traits

Journal of Attention Disorders ◽

10.1177/1087054717744880 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (14) ◽

pp. 2021-2029 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ana Machado ◽

Diana Rafaela ◽

Tânia Silva ◽

Tânia Veigas ◽

Joaquim Cerejeira

Keyword(s):

Criminal Behavior ◽

Adult Adhd ◽

Strong Association ◽

Correctional Facility ◽

Psychopathic Traits ◽

Self Report ◽

Adhd Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level ◽

High Security

Objective: Longitudinal studies have shown a strong association between ADHD and criminal behavior. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of adult ADHD in a high-security facility and to investigate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and psychopathic traits in criminal offenders. Material and Methods: Participants were recruited between October 2015 and January 2016 among the inmates from a high-security all-male correctional facility in Portugal. Self-report scales were used to measure ADHD symptoms, current psychopathology, and psychopathic traits. An interview was conducted to collect sociodemographic data, along with information about adverse childhood experiences, substance use, and criminal record. The statistical analysis was conducted using STATA 13 with the significance level set at .05. Results: From the final sample of 101 male prisoners, 17 participants (16.8%) screened positive for ADHD. Participants positive for ADHD had higher levels of general psychopathology and psychopathic traits. Psychopathic traits remained significantly higher in ADHD offenders after controlling for age, substance abuse, and early childhood adversities (OR = 1.07, p = .002) and this was explained by differences in the Meanness subscale (OR = 1.11, p = .013). Discussion/conclusions: The present study shows that ADHD symptoms are highly prevalent among offenders and might have a modulating effect on the course of delinquent behavior. The cross-sectional association between ADHD symptoms and psychopathic traits reinforces the previously documented correlation between these disorders and can lead to a better understanding of the prevalent criminal behavior in ADHD patients.

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Brain-behaviour modes of covariation in healthy and clinically depressed young people

10.1101/487421 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Agoston Mihalik ◽

Fabio S. Ferreira ◽

Maria J. Rosa ◽

Michael Moutoussis ◽

Gabriel Ziegler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Connectivity ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Strong Association ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Multivariate Statistical ◽

Functional Brain ◽

Clinically Depressed ◽

Critical Developmental Period

AbstractUnderstanding how variations in dimensions of psychometrics, IQ and demographics relate to changes in brain connectivity during the critical developmental period of adolescence and early adulthood is a major challenge. This has particular relevance for mental health disorders where a failure to understand these links might hinder the development of better diagnostic approaches and therapeutics. Here, we investigated this question in 306 adolescents and young adults (14-24y, 25 clinically depressed) using a multivariate statistical framework, based on canonical correlation analysis (CCA). By linking individual functional brain connectivity profiles to self-report questionnaires, IQ and demographic data we identified two distinct modes of covariation. The first mode mapped onto an externalization/internalization axis and showed a strong association with sex. The second mode mapped onto a well-being/distress axis independent of sex. Interestingly, both modes showed an association with age. Crucially, the changes in functional brain connectivity associated with changes in these phenotypes showed marked developmental effects. The findings point to a role for the default mode, frontoparietal and limbic networks in psychopathology and depression.

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Prevalence of ADHD in Accident Victims: Results of the PRADA Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm8101643 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 1643 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kittel-Schneider ◽

Wolff ◽

Queiser ◽

Wessendorf ◽

Meier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Incidence Rate ◽

Adult Adhd ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Trauma Surgery ◽

Self Report ◽

Stimulant Treatment ◽

Surgery Patient ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of

Background: Recent research has shown an increased risk of accidents and injuries in ADHD patients, which could potentially be reduced by stimulant treatment. Therefore, the first aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of adult ADHD in a trauma surgery population. The second aim was to investigate accident mechanisms and circumstances which could be specific to ADHD patients, in comparison to the general population. Methods: We screened 905 accident victims for ADHD using the ASRS 18-item self-report questionnaire. The basic demographic data and circumstances of the accidents were also assessed. Results: Prevalence of adult ADHD was found to be 6.18% in our trauma surgery patient sample. ADHD accident victims reported significantly higher rates of distraction, stress and overconfidence in comparison to non-ADHD accident victims. Overconfidence and being in thoughts as causal mechanisms for the accidents remained significantly higher in ADHD patients after correction for multiple comparison. ADHD patients additionally reported a history of multiple accidents. Conclusion: The majority of ADHD patients in our sample had not previously been diagnosed and were therefore not receiving treatment. The results subsequently suggest that general ADHD screening in trauma surgery patients may be useful in preventing further accidents in ADHD patients. Furthermore, psychoeducation regarding specific causal accident mechanisms could be implemented in ADHD therapy to decrease accident incidence rate.

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Prevalence of ADHD and co-morbid conditions among university students

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.553 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S475-S476

Author(s):

A. Gormez ◽

E. Kocer ◽

A. Kurtulmus ◽

I. Kirpinar

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Adult Adhd ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Self Report ◽

Adhd Group ◽

Adhd Symptoms ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

Significant Difference ◽

History Of

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties with attention, increased impulsivity and hyperactivity. Comorbidity is often reported in adults with ADHD with a range of 60–100% of patients having at least one co-morbid condition.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of ADHD among university students and to investigate some co-occurring symptoms and disorders.AimsWe aimed to raise awareness of adult ADHD and underscore its co-morbidity.Method486 undergraduate students at Bezmialem Vakif university in Istanbul filled in the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Beck Anxiety Scale (Beck-A), Beck Depression Scale (Beck-D) and a purpose-designed structured socio-demographic form.ResultsOur results revealed that 6% of participants reported significant ADHD symptoms using 1.5 standard deviation above mean on the ASRS. 67% of students with significant ADHD symptoms had a psychiatric history other than ADHD. History of depression, anxiety and sleep problems were significantly higher in this group (P < 0.05). They scored higher on Beck-A and Beck-D (P < 0.05). Students with significant ADHD symptoms reported more night eating, binge eating behaviours and more headache (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the history of epilepsy, asthma, allergy and diabetes. Family history of psychiatric disorder particularly ADHD, depression and eating disorder were higher in the ADHD group (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur results demonstrate that ADHD is prevalent among university students with high co-morbidity. Hence people with ADHD need comprehensive and lifelong assessment and management of their symptoms and needs.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Relationship of High PTSD Risk with Severity of ADHD Symptoms While Controlling the Effect of Impulsivity in a Sample of University Students

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1956 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S134-S134

Author(s):

E. Dalbudak ◽

C. Evren ◽

B. Evren ◽

S. Ozen

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

University Students ◽

Adult Adhd ◽

Short Form ◽

Self Report ◽

Adhd Symptoms ◽

Motor Impulsivity ◽

Competing Interest ◽

And Gender ◽

Relationship Of

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate relationship of high PTSD risk with severity of ADHD symptoms while controlling the effect of impulsivity in a sample of university students.MethodParticipants included 271 volunteered university students. Participants were evaluated with the Short Form Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11-SF), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and PTSD Checklist Civilian version (PCL-C).ResultsAge and gender did not differed between those with the high PTSD risk (n = 224, 82.7%) and those without (n = 47, 17.3%). BIS-11-SF and subscale scores, other than non-planning impulsivity (which showed no difference), and ASRS scores were higher among those with the high PTSD risk than those without. Severity of ADHD symptoms, particularly inattentiveness (IN) score, predicted the high risk of PTSD, together with the severity of motor impulsivity in a logistic regression model.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the severity of ADHD symptoms is related with the high risk of PTSD, while severity of motor impulsivity may have an effect on this relationship among young adults.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Emotional Dysregulation And Quality of Life In Young Adults With ADHD- A Cross Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-710647/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maayan Ben Dor Cohen ◽

Eran Eldar ◽

Adina Maeir ◽

Mor Nahun

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Young Adults ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Adult Adhd ◽

Emotional Dysregulation ◽

Self Report ◽

Adhd Group ◽

Adhd Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Objective: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with emotional dysregulation (ED) and impaired quality of life (QoL). However, the role of ED in explaining the relationship between ADHD and QoL is unclear. The purpose of the present study was to do so in a sample of non-referred young adults with and without ADHD.Method: The study design was cross-sectional. A non-clinical sample of 62 young adults with ADHD (mean age = 24.86 years, SD = 3.25) and 69 controls (mean age = 23.84 years, SD = 2.59) were recruited. The Adult ADHD Quality-of-Life scale was used to measure QoL; The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale was used to measure ADHD symptoms. The Self-Report Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale were used to measure ED. Group differences on all measures were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses of covariance, while controlling for age. Univariate analyses of variance were conducted to investigate the possible effect of medication on all outcome measures in the ADHD group. Finally, a moderation analysis was used in order to examine the impact of ED on QoL beyond that accounted for by ADHD symptoms.Results: Both QoL and ED were significantly worse for the ADHD group compared to the control group. The medication status of the ADHD group participants had no significant effect on the level of ADHD symptoms, ED or QoL. ED moderated the effect of ADHD symptoms on QoL for the ADHD group.Conclusion: The findings support the centrality of ED in ADHD and its crucial influence on QoL. Young adults with ADHD and high levels of ED are at risk for aversive impact on their well-being regardless of their ADHD symptoms level.

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Adult ADHD diagnosis and binge eating disorder

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.578 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S485-S485

Author(s):

J. Sevilla Vicente ◽

I. Basurte Villamor ◽

A. Sedano Capdevila ◽

M. Migoya Borja ◽

R. Navarro Jímenez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorder ◽

Binge Eating ◽

Binge Eating Disorder ◽

Adult Adhd ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Food Addiction ◽

Self Report ◽

Adhd Diagnosis ◽

Competing Interest

The association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders has not been yet clarified. The presence of ADHD was significantly correlated with more severe binge eating, bulimic behaviors, and depressive symptomatology. The aim of this work is to study the relationship between ADHD subtypes in adults and the risk of food addiction (binge eating disorder).The sample was collected on a specific program for adults with ADHD diagnosis in Madrid (Spain). In total, the sample was 110 patients, and we collected information about socio-demographic factors. All patients met DSM-5 criteria for ADHD in different subtypes. We used the conner's Adult ADHD rating scales and the Barrat impulsiveness scale. Also we used the Shorter Promise Questionnaire. This is a 16 scale self-report instrument to measure an individual's level of addictive tendency.The 36.4% were at high risk of developing a food addiction. For binge eating disorder (BE), no statistically significant differences were found by gender within patients with ADHD.Binge eating was significantly related to the impulsivity and emotional liability subscale of the CAARS (P < 0.05). The risk of develop BE in ADHD was 4.7 (CI 95% 1.8–12.07). Binge eating was significantly related to the total score on the Barrat scale (P < 0.05) Risk of 3,5 (CI 95% 1.5–7.9) and within the subtypes of impulsivity, motor impulsiveness was the one that was significantly related to BE (P < 0.001)There is a clear relationship between impulsiveness symptoms and BE in patients with ADHD. It's important to note that there are no gender differences within ADHA patients to develop a BE disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Not just ‘callous-unemotional’: Psychopathic traits are associated with emotion dysregulation dimensions

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.390 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S181-S181

Author(s):

P. Velotti ◽

M. D’aguanno ◽

C. Garofalo ◽

G. Rogier

Keyword(s):

Emotion Regulation ◽

Emotion Dysregulation ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Psychopathic Traits ◽

Self Report ◽

Male Offenders ◽

Callous Unemotional ◽

Callous Unemotional Traits ◽

Difficulties In Emotion Regulation ◽

Competing Interest

IntroductionHistorically, psychopathic individuals have mainly been described as characterized by pervasive callous-unemotional traits, with dramatic implications for clinical and forensic practices – such as the tendency to deem psychopathic individuals as untreatable. However, recent evidence with community samples have highlighted that psychopathic traits may be in fact related to emotion dysregulation rather than being the mere reflection of an underlying ‘unemotionality’. Yet, it is no clear if this association extends to populations with more severe forms of psychopathy (i.e., offenders).ObjectivesWe wanted to replicate previous evidence of an association between emotion dysregulation and psychopathic traits in a sample of incarcerated offenders.AimsTo investigate the associations among emotion dysregulation dimensions and psychopathic traits, exploring similarities and differences between the Interpersonal-Affective and the Antisocial-Lifestyle facets of psychopathy.MethodsA sample of male offenders incarcerated in Italian jails completed the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (SRP-4; Paulhus, Neumann, & Hare, 2015) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004).ResultsIn line with the expectations, emotion dysregulation dimensions did predict higher levels of psychopathic traits. Structural Equation Modelling revealed that selected dimensions of emotion dysregulation were associated with different facets of psychopathy.ConclusionsBased on our findings, we argue that psychopathic traits may be associated to a certain extent with emotion dysregulation, and thus a focus on improving emotion regulation skills may hold the promise to dampen the therapeutic pessimism when dealing with psychopathic offenders.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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