Symptoms of ADHD are related to education and work experience among incarcerated adults

• Published in: Journal of prison education & reentry Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 3 - 15
• Main Authors: Asbjørnsen, Arve Egil, Manger, Terje, Eikeland, Ole-Johan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Journal of Prison Education and Reentry 01.06.2015; VCU Libraries
• Subjects: ADHD; Adult Education; Adults; Antisocial Behavior; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Behavior Problems; Behavior Rating Scales; Clinical Diagnosis; Diagnostic Tests; Foreign Countries; incarcerated adults, adult education, special needs education; Institutionalized Persons; Questionnaires; Screening Tests; Special Education; Special Needs Students; Surveys; Symptoms (Individual Disorders); Work Experience; Norway
• ISSN: 2387-2306; 2387-2306
• DOI: 10.15845/jper.v2i1.702

Several reports document increased prevalence of attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD) and similar symptoms in incarcerated members of the community. Such conditions have been associated with employment, educational outcomes, and development of anti-social behaviour in the general population. Little is known about how these symptoms are related to education and work experience in incarcerated adults. A study among Norwegian prison inmates reveals that 60 % report signs of ADHD. In the present study a sample of 600 inmates incarcerated in Norway completed a questionnaire including the WURS-k (Wender Utah Rating Scale, short form) and questions to survey completed education level and work experience. A clear relationship was found between the WURS-k score and earlier job experience, with increased probability of ADHD associated with work experience from low socio-economic status jobs. The scale scores were also found to share variance with reported education history, as higher education reduces the probability of ADHD. Thus, the WURS-k could be a useful screening instrument in education assessment of incarcerated populations.