New Research Reveals Link Between ADHD and Violence
A recent study published in Psychological Medicine has shed light on the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the likelihood of individuals being involved in violent incidents. The study found that individuals with ADHD were significantly more likely to be perpetrators or victims of violence, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence.
Intimate partner violence, which encompasses physical, sexual, and psychological violence within a romantic relationship, is a pressing public health concern. It is often associated with negative physical and emotional consequences for the victims. Shocking estimates indicate that approximately 61 million women and 53 million men in the U.S. have experienced psychological aggression from their partners at some point in their lives.
While intimate partner violence is commonly perceived as affecting women more frequently, it can occur in both directions within a couple. Studies reveal that the most prevalent pattern of intimate partner violence is mutual violence between partners. Moreover, many victims of intimate partner violence have also been perpetrators themselves.
Sexual violence, defined as any sexual act committed without the victim’s consent or against someone incapable of giving consent, is another form of violence that is prevalent within intimate relationships. The data shows that about 4.2% of women and 2.4% of men in the United States experienced at least one instance of sexual violence in the past year.
Researchers led by Gonzalo Arrondo sought to explore the connection between ADHD, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence in adolescents and adults. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While the disorder typically manifests in childhood, it can persist into adulthood and requires clinical diagnosis and appropriate management.
The prevalence of antisocial behavior later in life is higher among individuals with childhood ADHD. This led the researchers to hypothesize that people with ADHD might be more prone to engaging in acts of violence, either as perpetrators or victims. Although numerous studies have examined this association, the findings have often been inconsistent.
To draw more dependable conclusions, the research team conducted a meta-analysis, which involved analyzing data from 14 different studies conducted between 2001 and 2021. The studies encompassed a total of 1,111,557 individuals, primarily young people or adolescents. The researchers focused on the involvement of individuals with ADHD as either victims or perpetrators of intimate partner violence or sexual violence.
The findings of the meta-analysis confirmed that individuals with ADHD had approximately 2.5 times higher odds of perpetrating intimate partner violence compared to those without the disorder. When the largest study was excluded from the analysis, the odds decreased to 1.87 times higher.
Regarding sexual violence, the results varied greatly across the studies. On average, individuals with ADHD had 2.73 times higher odds of perpetrating sexual violence compared to those without the disorder.
Furthermore, individuals with ADHD were more likely to be victims of both intimate partner violence and sexual violence. The odds of being a victim of intimate partner violence were 1.78 times higher for individuals with ADHD. However, the results were inconsistent across studies, with the increased odds disappearing when certain studies were excluded. The odds of being a victim of sexual violence were consistently 1.84 times higher for individuals with ADHD, even with the exclusion of specific studies.
The study authors emphasized that their results should not be used to stigmatize individuals with ADHD. Most individuals with the disorder will not be involved in cases of intimate partner violence or sexual victimization. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the heightened risk associated with ADHD, as these forms of violence can have long-lasting consequences for the victims.
The study contributes to a better understanding of the specificities of individuals with ADHD. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that most cases of intimate partner violence and sexual violence do not involve individuals with ADHD. Additionally, the study did not account for other mental disorders, which could potentially influence the obtained results.
The study, titled “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as a risk factor for being involved in intimate partner violence and sexual violence: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” was authored by Gonzalo Arrondo, Alfonso Osorio, Sara Magallón, Cristina Lopez-del Burgo, and Samuele Cortese.