What do we know about neurodevelopmental disorders in people deprived of liberty?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2025.v15.1408Keywords:
prevalence, prisons, violence, neurodevelopmental disordersAbstract
Introduction: Neurodevelopmental disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), global developmental delay, communication disorders, learning disorders, and motor disorders. The failure to identify these neuropsychiatric conditions in childhood leads to detrimental consequences in adulthood, such as an interface with criminality and a high prevalence of these disorders in prisons. Objective: To discuss the intersection between neurodevelopmental disorders and the prison system. Method: A narrative review was conducted, selecting cross-sectional and cohort studies, as well as non-mandatory systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis. The selected databases were PubMed, SciElo, LILACS and Google Scholar, with no time restrictions. Discussion and Results: The review identified a prevalence of ADHD up to 10 times higher among incarcerated individuals compared to the general population. For ASD, studies indicate a rate of up to 15% among adolescents in juvenile custody. Intellectual disability also showed a significant presence, with some studies reporting a prevalence of up to 32% in the prison population. Furthermore, ADHD was frequently associated with criminal recidivism due to impulsivity, whereas ASD showed a lower correlation with premeditated behaviors. Individuals with intellectual disabilities, in turn, demonstrated a higher propensity for episodes of aggression toward others. Conclusion: The high prevalence of these disorders in the prison system reinforces the need for early identification and effective interventions for rehabilitation and violence prevention.
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