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The risks of driving with untreated Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]

Accumulative studies show a strong causal link between increased motor accidents and untreated Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to psychiatrist Dr Rykie Liebenberg, it’s vital for young adults with ADHD to seek proper treatment or they could be at risk on the road.

“The research speaks for itself when it comes to the negatives of driving with untreated ADHD,” says Dr Rykie Liebenberg. “When you combine the symptoms of untreated ADHD with the multitasking required when driving, it can create a dangerous situation for the driver, their passengers – as well as other drivers.”

ADHD affects around 4-5% of all adults, and generally presents with three core symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This can make individuals with ADHD more prone to distraction, fidgeting, forgetfulness, impatience and emotional outbursts – all of which can have disproportionately negative outcomes when the individual takes the wheel.

Based on insights from a UK-based study, Liebenberg explains how adults with untreated ADHD are eight times more likely to have their licenses suspended, three times more likely to have repeated violations, four times more likely to be at fault in an accident and two to seven times more likely to have multiple accidents.

Road risks

The risks of adults with untreated ADHD behind the wheel, according to Liebenberg, are most commonly related to road rage and speeding.

“The proportion of the population who have more than one speeding ticket in a twelve month period is around 17%,” describes Liebenberg. “In adults with untreated ADHD, it’s 25%.”

As a result of impulsivity, adults with untreated ADHD frequently find themselves in heated road rage situations, says Liebenberg. These individuals often can’t control their tempers, and engage in confrontational situations when cut-off or just generally irritated in traffic.

“I’ve come across patients with untreated ADHD who’ve punched out windows and actually physically assaulted another driver, or purposefully rammed into opportunistic taxis,” says Liebeberg. “This not only puts the individual with ADHD at risk, it endangers their passengers, opening them up to the possibility of a violent retaliation from the other driver.”

Driving treatment

With the correct treatment, however, driving risks can be mitigated – if the medication is dosed correctly. Liebenberg advises against treatments that wear off in the afternoon, allowing the driver to become frustrated and distracted again when driving home.

“A long-acting, sustained treatment works best to manage the symptoms of ADHD throughout the day – including the drive home,” says Liebenberg. “In addition to medication, adults with ADHD also need to be aware of the dangers of driving with ADHD, so they know they’re possibly at risk – the more they know, the better they can manage the condition.”

For more information on ADHD, visit MyADHD.co.za or my ADHD on Facebook. For an opportunity to speak to an expert about ADHD, email jayde@gullanandgullan.com

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Medicine / Medication and Road Safety

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