ADHD medication could lower car crash risk

On Behalf of | Nov 17, 2017 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition that affects a person’s attention span and ability to control impulses. Those with ADHD may have symptoms such as excessive talking and fidgeting. Drivers in Montana can see, then, why ADHD can be a concern when on the road. A study published by JAMA Psychiatry, however, has shown that medication may lower the risk for car crashes due to ADHD.

Researchers found that over 2.3 million Americans over the age of 18 have ADHD. Between the years 2005 and 2014, there were 11,224 ADHD patients who visited an emergency room following a car accident. Among these drivers, nearly 84 percent received medication at some point; This is based on records of filled prescriptions and does not guarantee that the drivers actually took the medication.

In comparison to a control group of age-matched and sex-matched drivers without ADHD, drivers with the condition were at a much higher risk for accidents. However, comparing those months when prescriptions were filled to those when they were not, the authors of the study discovered that the former were marked by lower crash risk.

While medication curbs impulsive behavior, experts say it also comes with a rebound effect when it wears off. They stress that it’s not a cure-all and that psychosocial treatments, such as behavioral therapy, may be more effective in preventing accidents.

When ADHD contributes to motor vehicle accidents, victims still have the right to compensation since drivers should be able to reasonably anticipate when a medical condition will affect their driving. A lawyer may be useful in building up the case, as he or she will may hire investigators and other experts. Auto insurance companies sometimes work hard to deny victims a settlement, which is why it may be wise to retain an attorney for negotiations. If negotiations fall through, the lawyer may litigate.

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