Listen
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
People with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have a vastly higher chance of getting caught up the criminal justice system, according to the first-ever population level study.
Otago University researchers examined a three-year birth cohort spanning from 1992 to 1995, and compared this with health data to identify the 5-7 percent of people with ADHD.
They then looked at criminal records between the group's 17th and 25th birthdays.
Those with ADHD were 2.1 times as likely to be proceeded against by police, 2.2 times as likely to be charged in court, and 2.3 times as likely to be convicted.
Most shocking, was the finding they are nearly five times as likely to be imprisoned, compared to those without ADHD.
Warren Forster is a barrister and researcher. Nick Bowden is a researcher with the Better Start National Science Challenge, which focuses on mental health research for children and young people.
The study was funded by the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation and the New Zealand Law Foundation, with support from Better Start: E Tipu e Rea National Science Challenge.