Introduction
This essay explores potential criminal explanations for offending behaviour in an 18-year-old man with a history of breach of bail, theft, and behaviour issues before turning 18, alongside a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). From a social policy perspective, understanding the interplay between individual characteristics, such as ADHD, and environmental or systemic factors is crucial in addressing youth offending. The essay examines biological and psychological explanations linked to ADHD, alongside social and environmental influences, to provide a holistic view of the possible drivers behind this individual’s behaviour. By drawing on academic literature and official sources, the discussion aims to inform policy approaches to youth crime prevention and rehabilitation.
Biological and Psychological Factors: The Role of ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, which can significantly influence behaviour (NHS, 2021). Research suggests a correlation between ADHD and an increased likelihood of engaging in criminal behaviour, particularly among young males. For instance, Fletcher and Wolfe (2012) highlight that individuals with ADHD may struggle with impulse control, potentially leading to spontaneous decisions such as theft or breaching bail conditions. This impulsivity can be exacerbated by difficulties in foreseeing consequences, a hallmark of ADHD, making offending behaviour more likely in high-pressure or unstructured situations.
Moreover, ADHD often coexists with other challenges, such as executive functioning deficits, which impair planning and self-regulation (Barkley, 2015). For an 18-year-old, these deficits could manifest as repeated offending, particularly if untreated or unsupported. Indeed, without appropriate interventions—such as medication or behavioural therapy—these biological and psychological factors may contribute to a cycle of criminal activity. However, while ADHD provides a partial explanation, it is not deterministic; not all individuals with ADHD engage in crime, suggesting the importance of additional factors.
Social and Environmental Influences
Beyond individual characteristics, social and environmental factors play a critical role in shaping offending behaviour. Young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are often exposed to systemic issues such as poverty, family dysfunction, or peer influences that can normalise criminal activity (Farrington, 2007). For an 18-year-old with a history of offending, it is plausible that a lack of positive role models or access to education and employment opportunities may have contributed to their behaviour. Furthermore, if this individual grew up in a community with high crime rates, social learning theory suggests they may have adopted antisocial behaviours through observation and reinforcement (Akers, 1998).
Additionally, the transition to adulthood at 18 can be a vulnerable period, marked by increased independence but also significant stress. If this young man faced challenges such as unstable housing or financial pressures, these could exacerbate the impulsivity associated with ADHD, leading to offences like theft as a perceived means of survival. Social policy must therefore consider these contextual elements when designing interventions, ensuring they address both individual needs and broader structural inequalities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the offending behaviour of an 18-year-old man with ADHD and a history of breach of bail and theft can be explained through a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. ADHD-related impulsivity and executive functioning deficits offer a partial understanding of his actions, while environmental influences such as socioeconomic disadvantage or peer networks likely amplify the risk of criminality. From a social policy perspective, this analysis underscores the need for multi-faceted interventions that address both the individual’s neurodevelopmental needs—through tailored support like counselling—and systemic issues, such as access to education and stable environments. By integrating these approaches, policymakers can better prevent reoffending and support rehabilitation, ultimately reducing the societal and economic costs of youth crime. Generally, a nuanced understanding of such cases is essential to avoid stigmatisation and ensure effective, evidence-based responses.
References
- Akers, R.L. (1998) Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance. Northeastern University Press.
- Barkley, R.A. (2015) Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. Guilford Press.
- Farrington, D.P. (2007) Developmental Criminology and Risk-Focused Prevention. In: Maguire, M., Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Oxford University Press.
- Fletcher, J. and Wolfe, B. (2012) Long-Term Consequences of Childhood ADHD on Criminal Activities. Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, 15(3), pp. 119-138.
- NHS (2021) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). NHS UK.
