Assessment of adult-type attention deficit and hyperactivity/impulsivity disorder (ADHD) in drivers presenting to the emergency department due to motor vehicle accidents

This study aims to investigate the presence and severity of adult-type Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among drivers involved in traffic accidents. The research was conducted cross-sectionally on 300 patients who presented to the Emergency Department of Pamukkale University due to automobile accidents between February 2024 and August 2024. The control group consisted of individuals who presented to the emergency department during the same period but had not experienced any trauma. Participants were between 18 and 65 years old. The TURGAY DSM-IV Adult ADHD Scale was used for ADHD evaluation; trauma severity was assessed using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and the Injury Severity Score (ISS). Variables such as gender, age, education level, and marital status were compared between the groups. The attention deficit score of the patient group (8.91±5.92) was significantly higher than that of the control group (6.23±4.26) (p=0.000). Similarly, the total ADHD score was higher in the patient group (43.65±26.49) compared to the control group (32.60±21.68) (p=0.000). A significant difference was observed in ADHD severity levels, with a high ADHD rate of 27.3% in the patient group and 14% in the control group (p=0.002). A statistically significant association was found between alcohol use and ADHD severity (p=0.012). The mean AIS score was 3.93±12.23 in the high ADHD group and 2.32±1.85 in the low ADHD group; ISS scores were 8.90±7.58 and 3.56±5.12, respectively (p<0.001). As the level of attention deficit increased, AIS and ISS scores also increased significantly (p<0.05). No significant associations were found between ADHD and variables such as smoking or driver's license class. In conclusion, ADHD symptoms were found to be more pronounced in drivers involved in traffic accidents. It is suggested that especially attention deficit and impulsivity levels may play a determining role in driving safety and trauma severity. Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Traffic Accidents, Impulsivity, AIS – ISS Scores, Adult Patients