An epidemiological study of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and major depression in a male prison population.

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.