Juvenile Delinquency & Attention Deficit Disorder

Although specific situations and precursors vary, research supports a link between juvenile delinquency and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Delinquency fueled by ADD includes possibilities ranging from drug abuse to criminal activity. These actions are potentially exacerbated by environmental influences such as a dysfunctional household. Research also indicates the existence of a connection between the level of symptoms and the frequency or type of delinquency. ADD children with pervasive (as opposed to limited) evidence of the disorder have a higher chance of engaging in negligent or criminal conduct. Furthermore, a correlation between ADD, juvenile delinquency and the chance for adult criminal behavior and incarceration exists.

Symptoms

• ADD symptoms contribute to juvenile delinquency.

  The extensity of the ADD symptoms contribute to the level of juvenile delinquency. Severe symptoms that are difficult to control, such as impulsivity or anger, lead to inappropriate and possibly criminal activity. Less severe symptoms are typically managed much more easily and allow the child with ADD to have a much higher degree of control. Symptoms that increase in both frequency and intensity become unmanageable and encourage out of control behavior during the already challenging time of adolescence.

Substance Abuse

• Drug abuse worsens symptoms of ADD.

  Besides the increased risk of becoming a lawbreaker, children with ADD have the added chance of participating in the delinquent act of drug abuse. In turn, ADD children who use drugs or alcohol significantly increase their chances of engaging in criminal activity. Substance abuse aggravates underlying symptoms and traits of ADD, altering the child's internal thought process and external behaviors. Actions that appear to be symptoms of ADD are actually caused by the drugs, so parents and therapists must seriously evaluate the child before altering the treatment plan.

Co-morbidity

• Other conditions such as depression play a role in the delinquency of a juvenile with ADD.

  The presence of another condition in addition to the ADD contributes to the rate of delinquency. An ADD child with depression or anxiety has more issues to deal with and is therefore under added stress. Stress and situations that provoke it worsen the impulsive nature of an ADD child. Co-morbid conditions push the ADD child into delinquent behaviors that temporarily relieve the feelings associated with the associated conditions.

Environmental Inlfuences

• An involved parent means less delinquent behavior..

  Environmental factors influence the delinquency rate of children with ADD. A supportive environment decreases the chance of delinquency, while a dysfunctional or negative atmosphere encourages it. ADD children with caring parents do better on a treatment plan with supervision and consistent consequences for inappropriate actions. Uninvolved or absent parents find it difficult to be consistent and thereby reduce the positive nature of the child's method of treatment. Other environmental influences such as peers also play a role.

Treatment

• ADD children need a steady treatment plan.

  ADD kids who receive treatment are far less inclined to get involved with delinquent activities. Treatments include medications, as well as behavioral therapy provided by professionals, teachers and family. The more people involved in the consistent application of treatment, the wider the support, and with more support, the child has a smaller chance of getting involved in delinquent behavior.