Pharmacological treatment reduces the risk of motor vehicle crashes among men and women with ADHD

COMMENTARY ON: Chang Z, Quinn PD, Hur K, Gibbons RD, Sjölander A, Larsson H & D’Onofrio. Association between medication use for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and risk of motor vehicle crashes. JAMA Psychiatry 2017;74(6):597–603.

What is already known on this topic

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity,; traits that may increase the risk of injuries and motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Injuries in early childhood predict later ADHD,1 a diagnosis that is associated with a twofold increased risk of premature death, with accidents being the most common cause of death.2 ADHD is commonly treated with pharmacotherapy that successfully targets most of the impairing core symptoms.3 In children with ADHD, pharmacological treatment also reduces the risk of injuries by up to 43%.4 Similarly, a Swedish study of adults with ADHD suggests that pharmacotherapy may reduce the risk of MVCs…

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