Relative Benefits of Stimulant Therapy With OROS Methylphenidate Versus Mixed Amphetamine Salts Extended Release in Improving the Driving Performance of Adolescent Drivers With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (original) (raw)

OBJECTIVE. Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death among adolescents, and collisions are 2 to 4 times more likely to occur among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Studies have demonstrated that stimulants improve driving performance. This study compared 2 long-acting stimulant medications during daytime and evening driving evaluations. METHODS. Adolescent drivers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were compared on a driving simulator after taking 72 mg of OROS methylphenidate, 30 mg of mixed amphetamine salts extended release, or placebo in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design. During laboratory testing, adolescents drove a driving simulator at 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 11:00 pm. Driving performance was rated by adolescents and investigators. RESULTS. The study included 35 adolescent drivers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (19 boys/16 girls). The mean age was 17.8 years. The overall Impaired ...

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ADHD and driving safety

CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 2003