ADHD and Criminal Responsibility: When the Brain Struggles with Self-Control

Can a neurodevelopmental disorder influence criminal behavior without eliminating legal responsibility? This episode examines the forensic implications of ADHD, including impaired behavioral inhibition, executive dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation. We explore how forensic psychologists distinguish psychiatric symptoms from intentional misconduct and why ADHD alone rarely establishes a legal defense. The discussion reveals how psychological assessment can inform questions of criminal responsibility, risk, and rehabilitation.