Association between ADHD and psychopathy among inmates in a high-security prison in Portugal

Abstract

Introduction

ADHD is associated with psychopathic traits, both in the general population and in perpetrators, due to the impulsivity, but not the affective component of psychopathy.

Objectives

To analyze this relationship among a sample of inmates from a high-security male prison, using an instrument that further divides the callous-unemotional factor of psychopathy into boldness and cruelty, and see if they relate to ADHD independently from the impulsivity/disinhibition.

Methods

One hundred and one subjects aged 18–65, with at least 4 years of formal education, were interviewed for socio-demographic data and completed the ASRS-v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) and the TriPM (Triarchic Psychopathy Measure). Subjects were divided into ADHD positive or negative according to their score in the ASRS-v1.1, and then compared regarding TriPM score (total, disinhibition, boldness and cruelty) using Student's t-test. Linear regression was used to assess independency between the subscales of TriPM.

Results

Seventeen subjects scored positive for ADHD. They significantly differed from the non-ADHD group regarding all psychopathy scores (total, t = −5.03, P < 0.0001; disinhibition, t = −3.53, P = 0.0006; and cruelty, t = −4.96, P < 0.0001), except for boldness (t = 1.97, P = 0.005). The cruelty score is independent from boldness (R² = 0.03) but not from the disinhibition score (R² = 0.24). Disinhibition and boldness are also unrelated (R² = 0.01).

Conclusions

In line with previous work, our study shows a strong association between ADHD and psychopathy, with both conditions sharing the disinhibition/impulsivity factor. Although ADHD subjects score higher for cruelty, this isn’t independent from disinhibition, and may be a result of them being more prone to admit to cruel behaviours, due to deficient response inhibition.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.