Poster
138
(#138) The Impact of Untreated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on Motor Vehicle Accidents
Psych Congress 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Well-documented risk factors associated with motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) include alcohol use, drug use, excessive speed, and cell phone use.1 A less publicized risk tied to MVAs is ADHD, which has been discussed as a risk for years but has not drawn mainstream attention in the general population or at the government or policy level. To quantify the dangers of driving with untreated ADHD, this meta-analysis compares consequences for untreated drivers with ADHD to those of better publicized accident risk factors.
Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of published data was performed to determine the correlation between driving with untreated ADHD and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). Separate analyses were performed for driving with alcohol use, excessive speed, cannabis use, sleepiness/fatigue, opioids/benzodiazepines, and cell phone use.
Results: Four studies included in the meta-analysis showed significantly higher odds of an accident among untreated ADHD drivers versus the general population of drivers -- a 93% increase (significant pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval [CI] for the overall effect, p 0.001). Analysis of risk factors found an 85% increase in the odds of THC/cannabis users having an accident (significant pooled OR, 95% CI, p 0.001).
Conclusions: This systematic literature review and meta-analysis found that MVAs occur significantly more frequently with drivers with untreated ADHD compared to the general population of drivers. Increasing awareness of accident risk among drivers with untreated ADHD is important in preventing MVAs and highlights the importance of treating ADHD adequately.
Short Description: To quantify the dangers of driving with untreated ADHD and improve recognition, this meta-analysis compares consequences for untreated drivers with ADHD to those of better publicized accident risk factors. Increasing awareness of accident risk among drivers with untreated ADHD is important in preventing MVAs.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): This analysis was supported by Tris Pharma, Monmouth Junction, NJ.
Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of published data was performed to determine the correlation between driving with untreated ADHD and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). Separate analyses were performed for driving with alcohol use, excessive speed, cannabis use, sleepiness/fatigue, opioids/benzodiazepines, and cell phone use.
Results: Four studies included in the meta-analysis showed significantly higher odds of an accident among untreated ADHD drivers versus the general population of drivers -- a 93% increase (significant pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval [CI] for the overall effect, p 0.001). Analysis of risk factors found an 85% increase in the odds of THC/cannabis users having an accident (significant pooled OR, 95% CI, p 0.001).
Conclusions: This systematic literature review and meta-analysis found that MVAs occur significantly more frequently with drivers with untreated ADHD compared to the general population of drivers. Increasing awareness of accident risk among drivers with untreated ADHD is important in preventing MVAs and highlights the importance of treating ADHD adequately.
Short Description: To quantify the dangers of driving with untreated ADHD and improve recognition, this meta-analysis compares consequences for untreated drivers with ADHD to those of better publicized accident risk factors. Increasing awareness of accident risk among drivers with untreated ADHD is important in preventing MVAs.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): This analysis was supported by Tris Pharma, Monmouth Junction, NJ.
