Prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adult prisoners: an updated meta-analysis

Journal article

Background: Previous meta-analyses may have overestimated the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in prisoners by including data from selected samples.

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of ADHD in unselected samples of adults in prison and examine potential sources of heterogeneity by meta-regression and subgroup analyses.

Methods: We assessed all studies included in a 2018 systematic review for eligibility and updated the literature search to include studies published up to September 2023.

Results: A total of 11 studies reporting robust diagnostic data on ADHD in 3919 unselected adults in prison were included. In meta-regression, ADHD prevalence did not differ between men and women but it was significantly higher in studies using a two-phase design. In random sampling studies, the pooled prevalence of ADHD was 8.3% (95% CI: 3.8–12.8) which was further halved after the removal of an outlier.

Conclusion: One in 12 adults in prison have been diagnosed with ADHD. Our findings highlight the importance of using clear and consistent inclusion criteria in meta-analyses of prevalence.

Authors: Fazel, S; Favril, L

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 339-346
• Place of publication: England
• Publication date: 2024-04-03
• Acceptance date: 2024-03-20
• DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2337
• EISSN: 1471-2857
• ISSN: 0957-9664
• Pmid: 38568877
• Language: English
• Keywords: prevalence; prisoners; attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity