Psychopathic traits in adult ADHD patients

Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is elevated in prison inmates and in forensic patients with psychopathic traits. However, it is not clear whether ADHD and psychopathy scores also correlate in adult non-incarcerated samples. Moreover, it has not been examined if this correlation is due to specific facets of psychopathy. We assessed psychopathy in 30 adult ADHD patients and in 41 healthy participants using the psychopathic personality inventory revised (PPI-R). Male ADHD patients had higher scores compared to healthy male and female participants on the subscales blame externalization, rebellious nonconformity, and carefree nonplanfulness. Irrespective of gender, ADHD patients had lower scores compared to healthy participants on stress immunity and coldheartedness. These data specify the previously documented correlation between ADHD and psychopathy, and suggest that only the behavioral features of psychopathy are affected in ADHD whereas, the emotional features are not.