Driving risks of young drivers with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: association with the dopamine transporter gene VNTR polymorphism

Abstract

BackgroundRoad traffic injuries are a leading cause of death for young adults, and young drivers with higher expression of symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could pose an even greater risk in traffic. Dopaminergic dysfunction has been found to occur in ADHD, with the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene VNTR polymorphism (DAT1 VNTR; rs28363170) being one of the most consistent genetic markers. Thus, we aimed at clarifying how the ADHD symptoms and the DAT1 VNTR relate to risk-taking behaviour in traffic, impulsivity and driving anger in young drivers. MethodWe used data of two traffic behaviour study samples (n = 741, mean age = 23.3±7.2 years; n = 995, mean age = 22.9±8.1 years) and the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (ECPBHS; traffic behaviour data n = 1016, mean age = 25.2±2.1 years). ADHD symptoms were assessed by self-report with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) and impulsivity with the Adaptive and Maladaptive Impulsivity Scale. Traffic behavioural measures were either self-reported (Driver Behaviour Questionnaire, Driving Anger Scale) or obtained from databases (registered accidents and violations). ResultsDrivers with more self-reported ADHD symptoms also reported more risk-taking in traffic and had more of recorded traffic accidents and violations. DAT1 9R carriers had a higher probability of high traffic risk behaviour only if they also had ADHD symptoms. ConclusionHigher level of ADHD symptoms is a significant risk factor in traffic, and carrying of the DAT1 9R allele appears to aggravate these risks.

CBT program to reduce recidivism risk for road crashes among adolescents and young adults: Results of a randomized controlled study and prospects

“…Finally, unlike other studies, we failed to find an association between gender, substance abuse or ADHD and risk of recidivism. Whereas in a recent study, drivers who reported more ADHD symptoms also reported greater traffic risk-taking [ 41 ], we found no association in our study between probable ADHD and recidivism ( p = 0.55 for the intervention group and p = 0.25 for the control group). Similarly, numerous studies have shown an association between alcohol and/or cannabis consumption and risk of accident [ 42 , 43 ].…”

Mild internet use is associated with epigenetic alterations of key neurotransmission genes in salivary DNA of young university students

“…The epigenetic regulation of DAT1 gene promoter region was also investigated in relation to excessive use of the Internet in school-age youths and pre-adolescents 16 as well as in youths (from 18 to 34 years) 17 . Of note, the human DAT1 gene is also characterized by a polymorphic 40-base pair (bp) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR), previously associated with impulsivity and drug dependence/addiction 18 , 19 .…”

Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder updates

“…It has been reported that there is no association between VNTR polymorphism of DAT1 and DRD4 genes and ADHD among Indonesian children based on case-control study ( Thursina et al, 2020 ). DAT1 9 R carriers have a higher likelihood of high traffic risk behavior in case only they also have ADHD symptoms ( Tokko et al, 2022 ).…”

“…There is no available standardized protocol for the auxiliary examinations which can assist in diagnosis despite the presence of many studies. Moreover, ADHD is frequently comorbid with other conditions in about 75% of the cases ( Pliszka, 1998 ; Fayyad et al, 2007 ), including anxiety disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and conduct disorders ( Rizzo et al, 2010 ; Nogueira et al, 2014 ; Tokko et al, 2022 ). All the aforementioned issues make this disorder more complex ( Dias et al, 2013 ).…”