An epidemiological study of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and major
depression in a male prison population.
L. L. Eyestone and R. J. Howell,
Bull. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry & the Law
22(2): 181-93, 1994.
One hundred two inmates were interviewed and tested to determine epidemiological rates of
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression in an adult male prison population.
The Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale, and four measures to assess childhood and
adult ADHD were completed. The two disorders were diagnosed independently. Diagnosable ADHD
was found to occur in 25.5 percent of the inmates, and major depression occurred in 25.5 percent of
the inmates. A significant relationship between ADHD and depression was found to exist (p <
.001).
Having identified a major mental health problem in the prison population, implications include a
need for further diagnosis and treatment of these disorders within a prison setting. The relationship
between depression and ADHD also needs further examination.