ADHD + Theft
- Roxx Farron
- Apr 25
- 1 min read
Is it possible for someone with ADD/ADHD to commit theft without being aware of their actions?
1. Impulse Override (a.k.a. no brakes)
Someone with ADHD may see something, feel a quick rush of “I want that,” and act before their brain has a chance to fully process the consequences. This is called impulse control failure, and it’s not the same as criminal intent.
🧠 Thought process might be:
“Oh cool—mine now.”
No pause. No plan. Just action → regret later.
2. Inattention + Distraction = Forgetting to Pay
This is where it can become completely unintentional. Picture this:
You walk out of a store holding an item,
You’re deep in thought or distracted by something else,
You genuinely forget you didn’t pay.
It happens. It’s called object permanence breakdown or task switching failure.
3. Rejection Sensitivity + People-Pleasing
Sometimes, someone with ADHD might say yes to a friend or peer pressuring them into doing something risky—just to be liked or avoid conflict. The theft isn’t about greed—it’s about belonging or avoiding disapproval.
4. Low Dopamine-Seeking Behavior
ADHD brains are under-stimulated by default. Doing risky or taboo things—yes, even stealing—can be a form of self-stimulation. This is especially common in undiagnosed teens or emotionally neglected adults.
⚖️ Important: It's not about excusing theft.
But if you're looking at behavior through the ADHD lens, it’s critical to ask:
“Was this premeditated? Or was this impulsive, unprocessed, or emotionally triggered?”
That difference matters legally, ethically, and clinically.
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