OTTAWA - A prominent Ottawa doctor says a recent survey out of England that ties untreated ADHD with escalating crime as children become adults comes as no surprise.
The groundbreaking paper explores the connection between ADHD and criminal offences and provides insight into the treatment of those who suffer from the disorder.
Almost half of all youth offenders and a third of adult offenders have the hyperactive or inattentive condition, according to the study.
Dr. A.G. Ahmed, director of the anger disorders clinic at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, says knowledge of the disorder is still in its infancy, but enough is now understood to diagnose and treat patients effectively to help them stay on the good side of the law.
One of the most important findings is that ADHD doesn’t disappear when children become adults.
“Before, we had the belief that people mature out of ADHD, but we know now that a significant proportion of individuals with ADHD ? about two-thirds ? go on to have significant symptoms into adulthood,” said Ahmed, who is conducting similar research.
Ahmed said about 5% of kids deal with significant ADHD.
The diagnosis can usually be made at seven years of age, sometimes a little earlier.
Going untreated can pave the path to an unhappy and trouble-filled life.
“These individuals tend to abuse drugs, and the most useful drugs for treatments also tend to be abused.”
Along with substance abuse, there are other challenges that act as a slippery slope to crime.
“Individuals with ADHD are at the higher risk of not being able to keep a relationship either at home or at work,” Ahmed said. “They tend to go from one job to another because they’re never satisfied. And they’re impulsive, so they may want something that is very attractive today without giving full thought about the consequences.”
That paints a picture of a young man who is out of work, alone and with an impulsive streak that is difficult to resist. So he turns to stimulants, such as cocaine to even his impulsiveness out.
“We know that an addiction problem is very common among individuals with ADHD, as is depression and anxiety,” Ahmed said. Stimulants and anti-depressants help them to focus, but can create a dependency.
Giving an example of a musician, Ahmed said an ounce of cocaine may get them through a show one time, but six months later they need much more.
“We have made tremendous progress since the days of Ritalin, but we recognize now that it’s a disorder, it’s treatable and we do see benefits in individuals.”
scott.taylor@sunmedia.ca
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