How does misdiagnose in externalizing disorders and ADHD lead to delinquency and victimization?

• In Event: Mental Health and Crime

Abstract

The most prevalent disorders among children aged 10 to 14 years old are anxiety disorders, conduct disorders, and AD/ADHD (WHO, 2022). However, these estimates may be biased, and little is known about their relationship with further adverse outcomes. These disorders, particularly when coupled with substance abuse disorder, can significantly disrupt children and adolescents' behavior, rendering family life challenging. Such children often struggle more than others to develop personal skills, achieve educational milestones, and foster satisfactory social relationships. Moreover, they tend to experience intense negative emotions about themselves, being this condition worst in girls (Kwaning et al., 2021).

Perhaps the least desirable consequence of these disorders is the increased likelihood for these children of victimization, illness and higher mortality or suicide. Additionally, these disorders consistently correlate with increased delinquency and involvement in the juvenile justice system (Chartier, 2021), ultimately leading to serious drug use impairments and chronic recidivism.

This study presents results concerning the prevalence of externalizing disorders and AD/ADHD, delinquency, victimization and other risk factors, among children aged 6 to 18 years old. Data were collected through a comprehensive national survey of parents in Spain (N=1,500). Sample was stratified in age groups (6-8/ 9-11/ 12-13/ 14-15/ 16-17) based on the following reasons: population data, child development achievements, relevance for the appearance of these disorders, coherence with the criminal responsibility age, and criminological relevance of age 12-13 for the initiation of criminal behavior and 16-17 for the peak of criminal expression.

Our primary aim was not only to explore the prevalence of these difficulties within our population but also to analyze the potential misdiagnosis of these disorders and their correlation with negative consequences. We anticipate that these findings will highlight the necessity for early detection and the implementation of prevention programs aimed at mitigating the most severe repercussions of these disorders.

Author

• Ana Martinez Catena, University of Barcelona