Citation

Thompson AL, Molina BS, Pelham W, Gnagy EM. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2007; 32(7): 745-759.

Affiliation

University of Pittsburgh and State University of New York at Buffalo.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsm002

PMID

17442694

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine risky driving behaviors and negative driving outcomes in a large sample of adolescents and adults diagnosed in childhood with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) compared with demographically similar controls without ADHD. METHODS: 355 adolescents and young adults of the Pittsburgh ADHD Longitudinal Study (PALS) (n = 203 probands; n = 152 controls) were administered the Young Adult Driving Questionnaire. Parent and self-report of current ADHD symptoms and conduct problems were tested as potential mediators of the association between childhood ADHD and negative driving outcomes. RESULTS: ADHD group differences, of small to medium effect size, were found for number of tickets and accidents, and hyperactivity-impulsivity at follow-up emerged as a significant mediator of this association. Current conduct problems were associated with both risky and alcohol-impaired driving. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood ADHD elevates risk for driving-related problems, especially when symptoms persist. Co-occurring conduct problems capture some of this risk.

Language: en