Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is becoming one of the most common juvenile disorders there are. But when a child or teen commits a crime, is it right to use this disorder as their defense?
With ADHD, many things have to be considered. Prescriptions that the juvenile has been given is the biggest one. Because these prescriptions contain a form of methamphetamine, juveniles have the distinct issue of being “lost” or “unaware” of their actions. However, some juveniles who have been on the medications for so long become addicted, and literally cannot function without them. these include all forms of Ritalin, Adderal, and Welbutrin.
Is it really ADHD? The truth behind this is that there is no actual test for ADHD. When the disorder was discovered, it was merely a setback in the pediatric world. Doctors, psychiatrists, and pharmacy technicians did not have a way to really diagnose this disorder or its close cousin, ADD. To this day, a diagnose is a result of questioning the parents and visually observing the child in action. Once a child ranks at a certain amount amongst other children their age in attention, disruption, and other factors, they are then diagnosed.
So is ADHD a legitimate excuse to get out of a crime? The answer is behind the juvenile’s eyes, not what a doctor has to say. Many of these kids have the ability to distinguish right from wrong, and know what they are doing when they do it. Many times, they just want to be part of something, and if committing a crime is part of the “in crowd,” then so be it for them.
The decision on whether or not a juvenile with a mental disorder is a criminal will be solely up to the ones who arrest him or her, and the judge that stands at their trial.