Citation

Ludolph AG, Kölch M, Plener PL, Schulze UM, Spröber N, Fegert JM. Z. Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2009; 37(5): 405-411.

Vernacular Title

Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-Hyperaktivitatsstorung (ADHS) und Strassenverkehr: Was

Affiliation

Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Verlag Hans Huber)

DOI

10.1024/1422-4917.37.5.405

PMID

19739058

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not only a childhood disorder but symptoms persist into adolescence and adulthood in approximately one third of the patients. Especially inattention and poor concentration impair driving performance in road traffic. Adolescents and young adults with ADHD are twice as likely to be involved in traffic accidents as people of the same age. This review sums up the legal situation in Germany and provides an overview of the current existing experimental studies on driving performance of adolescents and young adults with ADHD. Psychostimulant therapy seems to improve driving performance in ADHD patients. At the same time psychostimulants are prohibited, according to the road traffic act. Atomoxetine as a non-stimulant is not mentioned there. Therefore it could be unproblematically prescribed, however, the evidence for improved driving is not as unequivocal as for methylphenidate. The psychoeducation of adolescents and young adults with ADHD concerning their increased risk in road traffic often seems to be insufficient in clinical practice. Given the high number of traffic deaths in these young age groups consulting regarding this matter should be of high priority.

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