Car accident risk is increased in drivers with ADHD
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - is a fairly common neurological disorder, which is accompanied by such manifestations as impaired concentration, increased motor activity, impulsivity. In our country, this disorder is mentioned mainly when describing behavioral features in pediatric patients. However, it has long been known that the problem can continue to haunt adults and even the elderly, having a negative impact on the quality of life and, among other things, on the ability to operate complex mechanisms and automobiles.
Researchers have linked the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with increased crash risks in middle-aged and elderly drivers. This information was published by the staff of the Mailman College of Public Health at the University of Columbia on the pages of the journal JAMA Network.
There have been similar studies previously that have examined the likelihood of such a link. However, they focused on adolescents and young adults: middle-aged and elderly patients were not considered.
The new research project involved almost three thousand people who actively use their own cars. The age range of the participants was between 65 and 79 years. All of them were registered in the LongROAD system. Among the participants, 3% of people were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder during their lifetime.
The project lasted for 44 months, starting from mid-summer 2015 until mid-spring 2019. Participants were closely monitored by specialists, photo and video fixation devices were used in cars, and information was reconciled annually.
According to the findings, drivers with ADHD were more likely to encounter situations that required hard braking, were 7% more likely to receive traffic tickets, and their overall crash risk was 74% higher than other study participants.
It turns out that the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is indeed associated with pronounced risks of car accidents in elderly drivers. Given this, it is important to pay attention and improve the approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for this disorder. This will enhance the safe existence of these individuals. The most optimal combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral strategies: specialists should help to connect thoughts and sensations with actions and strengthen concentration.
Information can be found on the publication's webpage at JAMA Network