PULLMAN, Wash. — Research conducted by Travis C. Pratt, Washington State University professor on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, confirms previous research that shows a link between the disorder and the potential for delinquent behavior.
Recently published reports from additional studies, however, show there are key factors that can prevent delinquency among young people with ADHD.
Pratt was the lead researcher of a report released in the “International Journal of Police Science and Management” (Vol. 4, No. 4, 2002) and part of a team of researchers whose findings were recently published in “Justice Quarterly” (Vol. 20, No. 3, September 2003).
The first study investigated whether there is a link between ADHD and crime and delinquency. Pratt and his fellow researchers discovered ADHD can be an important contributing factor and that it tends to have continuing effects over time.
“Given that ADHD in now viewed as the most common neurobehavioral disorder occurring in childhood, and that it is among the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting school-aged children, the public policy implications associated with the condition take on added importance,” he said.
The second wave of ADHD research investigated whether the disorder consigns youths to delinquent behavior. These findings hold promise for anyone who suffers from ADHD or has a family member who does. Pratt’s groundbreaking research indicates that both self-control on the part of the ADHD patient and involvement and intervention by the youth’s parents can be strong deterrents. Most importantly, researchers found ADHD is amenable to treatment and especially responsive when intervention happens early.
Pratt is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science/Program in Criminal Justice at WSU where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He received a doctorate in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.
