(Photo: Jelle on flickr)
Childhood behavioral conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder are linked with an increased risk of being convicted of a felony later in life, with heavy drinking and educational failure contributing to this link.
The findings, which come from an analysis of 4,644 men, suggest that substance use and educational disengagement in adolescence operate as stepping stones toward adult criminality among behaviorally disordered children.
"We think the findings are important because they suggest potential avenues for preventing antisocial children from becoming life-course persistent offenders," said Dr. Jukka Savolainen, lead author of the study.
Source:
Wiley
Study Reference:
Published in Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health
This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ConductDisorders or its staff.
