How ADHD symptoms increase injury risk

Impulsivity refers to behaviours that are performed without thinking. It can often lead to dangerous situations and risk-taking behaviour.

People with ADHD may have an impaired sense of danger, where they perceive situations as less dangerous than they actually are. Road traffic injuries are common due to this.

Research has found that teenagers and adolescents with ADHD are more likely to engage in risky driving, such as texting or drinking while driving, and therefore get involved in road collisions.^[2]

Other examples of risk caused by impulsive behaviour include crossing without looking, substance abuse, overspending, and frequently arguing.

Poor focus can make it hard to pay attention to potential hazards in the environment, which can lead to accidents like tripping, falling, burning yourself, or serious injuries with heavy machinery.

Individuals with ADHD find it harder to pay attention to details, focus on safety manuals or follow safety protocols.

This may explain why children with ADHD are:^[2]

• 25% more likely to get a bone fracture
• Two times more likely to suffer a burn
• Four times more at risk of poisoning

In adults, ADHD makes it more likely you’ll have a workplace injury.^[1]

Excessive restlessness can increase the likelihood of accidents because of increased movement and exploration, sometimes without proper caution.

This can cause particular problems in moments where you need to stay seated, like in a classroom or on a long car journey – traffic accidents, particularly with motorbikes, are more common with adult ADHD. ^[2]

Another example is a child with ADHD in a park running around without being aware of obstacles.

Executive function refers to the mental skills needed to manage time, plan, assess situations and stay organised – key things required to function in daily life.

People with ADHD often have a less developed prefrontal cortex, which can make it challenging to do these things that may seem normal and easy for others.

While a messy room may not seem particularly dangerous, you’re more likely to fall or trip over because of stuff lying on the floor than someone without ADHD who might have a cleaner room.

Additionally, poor time management can cause you to speed or drive recklessly to get to your destination on time, increasing your risk of accidents.

The relationship between ADHD and injury risk is complex and influenced by various factors, such as:

• Severity of symptoms: While severe symptoms are generally associated with a higher risk of injury, people with the hyperactive subtype are more likely to be injured.
  Studies found that a higher proportion of adults and children with hyperactive ADHD had unintentional injuries. In another study, the combination of hyperactive and impulsive subtypes increased the risk of injury. ^[2]
• Age: Injury types vary with age. Traumatic brain injuries are frequently seen in children. Adolescents often experience traffic-related accidents. Workplace injuries and substance abuse are common occurrences among older adults.
• Comorbid conditions: People who have depression or anxiety are more likely to self-harm or have suicidal tendencies. ^[5]
• Family environment: Poor or improper parenting and parents diagnosed with ADHD or anxiety elevate the risk of unintentional injuries.^[2][3] Socioeconomic background also mattered, with low socioeconomic status being a risk factor for injury in children with ADHD.^[3]
• Treatment: People using treatment may have a reduced risk of injury. Certain medications used to treat ADHD have been shown to reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention, thereby lowering injury risk.^[1][2][4]