ADHD Drugs Keep People on the Straight & Narrow? Nov. 21, 2012 -- People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are taking medication to help control the symptoms of this illness may be less likely to commit crimes, a new Swedish study suggests.

ADHD symptoms include:

• Impulsiveness
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty paying attention

Previous research has suggested that people with ADHD may be more likely to experience difficulty in school, holding down jobs, and sustaining relationships. They are also at greater risk for alcohol or substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and may be more likely commit crimes.

But taking their ADHD medication may help keep them on the right side of the law.

Researchers tapped into a Swedish registry of more than 25,650 people with ADHD. They compared medication history with criminal records from 2006 to 2009.

During times when they were taking medication for ADHD, men were 32% less apt to commit a crime and women were 41% less likely to do so compared to when they were not taking ADHD medication. The type of ADHD medication did not affect the results.

The majority of crimes were non-violent, with burglary being the most common.

ADHD in Adults