Sex Difference in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Contributes to the Sex Difference in Crime and Antisocial Behavior

Abstract

Abstract A recent comprehensive review of biological perspectives on sex differences in crime and antisocial behavior suggested that future research on this topic should include a focus on the higher prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among male juveniles as a promising biological factor that could underlie the sex difference in antisocial behavior. The present article demonstrates that in many respects the future is now, as the evidence robustly demonstrates that ADHD is an important biological risk factor for the development of crime and antisocial behavior, and therefore the decisively greater male preponderance in ADHD is an important cause of the sex difference in crime and antisocial behavior. The article concludes by discussing the implications that treatment for ADHD has for preventing crime and antisocial behavior and a discussion of recommendations for criminal justice responses to individuals with ADHD.