The Relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms and Impaired Driving: Results from the Ontario Student Drug and Health Survey (OSDUHS)
Author(s): Vingilis, Seeley, Wickens, Boak, Mann
Slidedeck Presentation:
Abstract:
Background:
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, clear evidence of impairment in multiple domains and symptom onset by age twelve (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, American Psychiatric Association 2013). Results on the relationship between ADHD and driving after drinking or cannabis use are limited and mixed.
Aims:
This study’s purpose is to examine the relationships among a screener of ADHD and ADHD medication use, other mental health problems, and impaired driving in a provincially representative sample of high school students living in Ontario.
Methods:
The data were derived from the 2015 and 2017 cycles of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s OSDUHS, a stratified (region and school type), 2-stage (school, class) cluster sample design, representative of Ontario students in grades 7 through 12. Sample selected are students 16 years and older with a G2 licence or higher in at least grade 10. Included measures: ADHD (screener; medically-prescribed or nonmedical ADHD medication use); anxiety/depression; substance use; driving after drinking or cannabis use or riding with driver driving after drinking or cannabis use) and socio-demographics.
Results:
Of the 2,770 participants, 9.7% screened positively for ADHD symptoms, 2.1% reported medically prescribed use of ADHD medication and 4.1% reported nonmedical use of ADHD medication. During the last 12 months, 5.7% reported driving at least once within an hour of drinking 2 or more drinks, while 10.0% reported driving at least once within an hour of using cannabis. Only nonmedical use of ADHD medication was associated with driving and drinking (p<.00001) and cannabis use and driving (p<.00001).
Discussion:
This study shows only an association with impaired driving and nonmedical use of ADHD medication, perhaps suggestive of general illicit drug use. Logistic regressions will be presented adjusting for demographics, mental health and substance use.
Conclusions:
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder among youths. Population-based information on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and impaired driving can information youths, parents and clinicians on driving outcomes related to ADHD and driving.