ADHD and illegal conduct: a survey in Juvenile Justice Services in Puglia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to identify possible risk factors related to carrying out of illegal conducts by minors on their first offense, and any individual variables, family, economic and socio-cultural related to phenomenon also investigated.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The longitudinal study involved the acquisition of a series of biographical information, family, school, behavioral and clinical characteristics of children on their first crime recruited over a year in Puglia Region. For its purpose the study involved the use two standardized clinical scales (Youth Self-Report and Conners Adolescent Self Report Scale). For over a year we proceeded to follow-up.RESULTS: The survey revealed some variables family, social and school related to antisocial behavior of children in their first contact with the judicial authorities.CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the need for primary and secondary prevention of children at risk through mutidisciplinary, early, selective interventions.