Symptom dimensions of disruptive behavior disorders in adolescent drivers

Annie A Garner; Ashley Gentry; Sharon C Welburn; Philip R Fine; Crystal A Franklin; Despina Stavrinos

doi:10.1177/1087054711431699

Symptom dimensions of disruptive behavior disorders in adolescent drivers

J Atten Disord. 2014 Aug;18(6):496-503. doi: 10.1177/1087054711431699. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

Authors

Annie A Garner¹, Ashley Gentry², Sharon C Welburn², Philip R Fine², Crystal A Franklin², Despina Stavrinos³

Affiliations

¹ University Transportation Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama Department of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio aiartiga@uab.edu.
² University Transportation Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
³ University Transportation Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.

PMID: 22544387
DOI: 10.1177/1087054711431699

Abstract

Objective: Adolescents with disruptive behavior disorder, including ADHD, are more likely to engage in risky driving practices and, consequently, are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash (MVC) than their non-ADHD peers. It is unclear whether symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) increase risk of poor driving outcomes.

Method: A total of 41 participants (16-19 years old) reported their ADHD and ODD symptoms and risky driving practices (errors and violations). History of citations and MVCs were acquired from state records. Relative predictive utility of symptom dimensions was assessed using multiple regressions.

Results: Inattention solely predicted driving variables of interest: Greater levels of inattention were predictive of more citations, MVCs, and self-reported errors and violations.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that symptoms of inattention play a primary role in driving-related problems among adolescents. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Keywords: ADHD symptom dimensions; driving outcomes; novice drivers; oppositional defiant disorder.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Accidents, Traffic
Adolescent
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / complications
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / psychology*
Automobile Driving*
Female
Humans
Impulsive Behavior / physiology*
Male
Mental Disorders
Peer Group
Predictive Value of Tests
Risk
Socioeconomic Factors