A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests that young people with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder face significant struggles when it comes to obtaining driver’s licenses and driving safely compared to those without
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study, conducted by Christopher E. Gaw, M.D., of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Allison E. Curry, Ph.D., of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, sheds light on the differences in driver’s license acquisition and driving outcomes among youth with mood disorders. The research shows the need for targeted interventions to support these adolescents in achieving independent mobility while ensuring road safety.
How do mood disorders affect driving?
Mood disorders, persistent conditions affecting emotional states, including depression and bipolar disorder, often manifest during adolescence, a critical period when many youths contemplate obtaining their driver’s license.
Driving demands cognitive skills like attention and executive function, abilities that can be impaired in individuals with mood disorders.
Analysing health records of over 86,000 youths, the researchers identified 1,879 diagnosed with mood disorders and more than 84,000 without diagnoses, all eligible to acquire a driver’s license between 2004 and 2017 within the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia network. The study linked these records with databases from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and Department of Transportation to track license acquisition, crashes, and driving violations.
Findings revealed that youth with mood disorders were 30% less likely to obtain a driver’s license within four years of eligibility compared to their peers without mood disorders. Moreover, those who did obtain licenses were at a higher risk: they were 19% more likely to experience crashes and 25% more likely to have moving violations in the first four years of driving.
Supporting those with mood disorders
The study underscores the necessity for tailored interventions aimed at supporting adolescents with mood disorders in acquiring driving skills and navigating the responsibilities of safe driving. Such interventions could include specialised driver education programs that address the cognitive and emotional challenges specific to these individuals.
This research not only highlights the impact of mood disorders on driving outcomes but also calls for broader awareness and support systems to help adolescents with these conditions achieve independence safely. As efforts continue to develop targeted interventions, the ultimate goal remains ensuring that all young drivers, regardless of their mental health status, can navigate the roads safely and confidently.
