Adult Attention Deficit Disorder and Aggressive Behaviour: An Exploration of Relationships between Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales and the Aggression Questionnaire

Mitchell K. Byrne, Natalie Parletta, David G. Webster, Marijka Batterham, Barbara J. Meyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aggressive and violent behaviour is often associated with a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This article investigates the relationship between adult attention deficit disorder (ADD) and aggressive cognitions. The Aggression Questionnaire and the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales were administered to two samples: a “low-risk sample” comprising university students (n = 60), and a “high-risk sample” of prison inmates (n = 117). The prevalence of “probable ADD” was found to be higher in the prison sample (33%), compared with the university sample (20%). There were moderate correlations >r =.5 (p < .01) between total ADHD and Aggression Questionnaire scores in both groups. There were also moderate to strong correlations between subscales of both measures, including cognitive processes such as attention and memory and various forms of aggression, which were particularly apparent in the prison sample. The relationship between ADHD and aggressive behaviour suggests that the treatment of adult ADHD may aid in the management of aggressive behaviour.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)407-416
Number of pages10
JournalPsychiatry, Psychology and Law
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 May 2015

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