ADHD meds drop crime?
November 26, 2012
MEDICATION for attention
deficit–hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) may help to curb crime
rates, according to a new study.
Published in the New England
Journal of Medicine, the study,
Medication for Attention
Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder and
Criminality, looked at information
on 25,656 Swedish ADHD patients,
including their pharmacologic
treatment, and subsequent criminal
convictions from 2006 through
2009.
According to the study’s findings
compared with nonmedication
periods, patients who received
ADHD medication, had a significant
reduction of 32% in the criminality
rate for men and 41% for women.
In addition, researchers found
that rate reduction remained
between 17% and 46% in sensitivity
analyses among men, with factors
that included different types of
drugs (stimulant vs. nonstimulant)
and outcomes (type of crime).
“Among patients with ADHD, rates
of criminality were lower during
periods when they were receiving
ADHD medication,” the researchers
said.
“These findings raise the
possibility that the use of
medication reduces the risk of
criminality among patients with
ADHD,” the researchers added.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 Nov 12To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 26 Nov 12
