Adult ADHD
Visual Abstract
Effects of two doses of methylphenidate on simulator driving performance in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Ritalin and Driving Ability
Russell A Barkley , Kevin R Murphy, Trisha O'Connell, Daniel F Connor
Summarized by:
July 3, 2023
study source
J Safety Res
Apr 2005
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What they studied
Can ADHD medication improve driving for adults with ADHD?
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What they found
Those with ADHD experienced significant improvements in steering ability, turn signal usage, and driving speed on methylphenidate, aka Ritalin.
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What this means
Getting treated for ADHD may lead to safety benefits for those who drive regularly.
Effects of two doses of methylphenidate on simulator driving performance in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Objectives
ADHD is defined by symptoms involving attention and impulsivity. These, along with ADHD’s known effects on executive function, can interfere with driving. Previous studies have linked ADHD to significantly more car accidents and traffic tickets.
The study wanted to see whether ADHD medication could improve driving performance.
Study Quote
Numerous studies have documented an increased frequency of vehicular crashes, traffic citations, driving performance deficits, and driving-related cognitive impairments in teens and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Methods
Researchers tested adults with ADHD on a driving simulator. Their performance was tested before and after being given methylphenidate, the generic form of Ritalin. They were also tested with two doses of methylphenidate to see whether higher or lower doses made a difference.
Study Quote
The present study evaluated the effects of two single, acute doses of methylphenidate (10 and 20 mg) and a placebo on the driving performance of 53 adults with ADHD (mean age=37 years, range=18-65) using a virtual reality driving simulator, examiner and self-ratings of simulator performa...
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Results
The results showed that, as expected, those with ADHD were less impulsive after being given methylphenidate (Ritalin).
They also were better at steering and using their turn signals.
On an obstacle course, they drove at a lower, more reasonable speed.
Study Quote
A significant beneficial effect for the high dose of medication was observed on impulsiveness on CPT, variability of steering in the standard driving course, and driving speed during the obstacle course. A beneficial effect of the low dose of medication also was evident on turn signal us...
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Conclusions
These results suggest that ADHD medication, particularly stimulant medication such as Adderall and Ritalin, may improve driving performance among those with ADHD.
This is expected, given the known benefits of ADHD medication on attention and impulsivity.
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The high dose of medication also resulted in less variability of steering the simulated vehicle during the standard driving course than in the placebo condition; whereas the low dose of MPH resulted in a greater use of the turn signal activator than in the placebo condition. In the obstacle course, the high dose of MPH also resulted in a significantly slower average speed than in the low dose of medication.
However, this was a small study. Many of the other measurements conducted did not reach statistical significance. These results are not particularly strong, and more research is needed to confirm them.
They are consistent, though, with our knowledge of ADHD, driving, and the effects of ADHD medication.
Other studies have similarly linked Ritalin with improvements in driving performance:
Study Quote
The results, when placed in the context of prior studies of stimulants on driving performance, continue to recommend their clinical use as one means of reducing the driving risks in ADHD teens and adults.