Childhood ADHD may make for adult criminals

Kids who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to exhibit criminal behavior when they grow up, according to a new study.

Over 10,000 children were studied, and it was found that those with ADHD as kids were 2x as likely to commit theft as adults, and 50% more likely to sell drugs. And it's no small matter - experts estimate that crimes involving potential ADHD cost the nation up to $4 billion a year.

The researchers stress that more research is needed, including to determine if there is an association between the type of ADHD experienced (hyperactive or inattentive), as well as whether drug treatment of ADHD impacts future criminal behavior. They also suggested that there may be a genetic link for ADHD.

ADHD affects between 2-10% of children and is far more common in males than females.

Want to know more? Here is some information from the Children's Hospital of Denver.