Vera Joffe posted on July 26, 2010 19:31
Dear Readers: This is a letter Dr. Joffe wrote to the N.Y. Times and to the Sun Sentinel
July 26, 2010.
Dear Editor of the New York Times:
I would like to comment on Goodnough and Zezima's article on prescription drug use and a new threat on the roads. The article provides good information on how we as a society have been focusing only on the altering substance, alcohol, as impairing driving ability. I agree that it is important for people in general, and for physicians to inform their patients of the implications of certain medications they prescribe, including the various dosages of medications that may impair the ability to conduct a vehicle (a machine, and to perform other tasks as well). It is during a doctor’s visit that an individual should discuss and make decisions about their need to take medication (due to a disability, for instance), and the implications of such medical regimen to other areas of their lives, such as being able to conduct a vehicle.
The reason for my letter has to do with the fact that the authors mentioned something that, to the best of my knowledge is wrong and terribly misleading. They stated that "stimulants can encourage risk-taking and hurt the ability to judge distances". There have been several scientific and empirically-based studies conducted over the last years that show that adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have a history of impaired driving records: They are more likely to get into accidents (that are more serious as well), and they are more likely to receive traffic tickets as well. However, when appropriately treated for the correct diagnosis (and for other psychiatric conditions that may be part of an adult's life with ADHD), stimulants have been proven to actually improve adults' records of driving (Barkley, R.A; Murphy, K.R.; Fischer, M.; 2008; Cox et. al, 2004). Thus, adults with ADHD who are correctly evaluated by experts in the area and who are prescribed the appropriate medication for such condition, such as stimulants as well as atomoxetine actually improve their ability to drive and thus decrease the probability of having car accidents. Similarly, contrary to "beliefs" (that are not based on scientific evidence), medications for ADHD, such as stimulants may actually act as a "protector" factor for children, adolescents and adults from developing drug addiction as well as other risky and destructive behaviors.
I am a psychologist in South Florida with specialty in the area of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. I wrote a book based on Dr. Barkley’s theory and research on ADHD in adults, “A Day in the Life of an Adult with ADHD”.
Sincerely,
Vera Joffe, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist in FL and NY
References:
Barkley, R.A.; Murphy, K.R.; Fischer, M. (2008). ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says. New York: The Guilford Press.
Cox, D.J., Merkel, R.I.; Penberthy, J.K.; Kovatche, V.B., & Hankin, C.S. (2004). Impact of methylphenidate delivery profiles on driving performance of adolescents with ADHD: A pilot study. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43, 269-275.
Joffe, V., Iachan, M. (2006). A Day in the Life of an Adult with ADHD.