Identifying Probationers With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Related Behaviors in an Drug Abuse Treatment Setting

• NCJ Number: 154051
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1995) Pages: 33-43
• Author(s): D B Baker; K Knight; D D Simpson
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the occurrence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behaviors in a population of 246 probationers enrolled in a 4-month drug abuse treatment program, and identified specific correlates of ADHD-related symptoms, as indicated by the probationers.

Abstract

All the clients completed a self-report instrument measuring adult ADHD-related behaviors, as well as a structured intake interview. Seven composite measures were selected from the intake interview, six of which were related to the probationer's family of origin, and the seventh to self-reported reasons for drug use. The ADHD symptoms scale used here demonstrated good psychometric abilities, was easily administered, and showed predictable validity. Thirty-one percent of probationers reported having recent symptoms of ADHD; they were likely to have experienced more severe problems than their counterparts, in terms of unemployment, number of previous arrests, violent behavior, use of cocaine, and conflict with parents. 4 tables and 18 references