Reading time: 2 min
Uploaded on: January 26, 2026
There are strategies to help reduce injury risk for individuals with ADHD, including both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches.
Can therapy help?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for ADHD focuses on your mental health to address feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that may increase your injury risk.
Your therapist will help you recognise negative feelings and encourage positive ones to help regulate your emotions.
They’ll also teach you coping strategies so you learn how to manage impulsive and reckless behaviour. Some may also focus on your social skills to help you develop meaningful connections with family and friends – something which people with ADHD can struggle with.[4]
An occupational therapist can help people with ADHD by implementing behavioural and environmental changes to reduce injury risk. They'll provide guidance on managing time and organising your environments, which helps avoid accidental injuries.
Their support may also include developing schedules tailored for you or establishing repetitive behaviours that help complete daily tasks like cleaning.
Exercising, while not a therapy, can also be beneficial for people with ADHD. A study found that high school and college athletes had better symptom control (even without medication) and were less likely to get injured than people with ADHD who didn't exercise.[5]
What about medication?
Many studies have found that people with ADHD on medication have a reduced risk of injury.[1][2][3]
This is often due to managing your ADHD symptoms, which is the primary cause of injury risk. One study found that people with ADHD who took one form of ADHD medication had a decreased risk of collisions and accidents.[1]
In another study, people with ADHD who took this form of medication for at least three months showed a significant reduction in injuries compared to those who were untreated.[3]
Back to:
- ADHD and injury risk: What’s the connection?
- How ADHD symptoms increase injury risk
- Common injuries in people with ADHD
References:
Liou, Y.-J., et al. (2018). Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Taiwan. Journal of Adolescent Health, 63(2), pp.233–238.
Brunkhorst-Kanaan, N., et al. (2021). ADHD and accidents over the life span – A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 125, 582-591.
Ahn, J., et al. (2024). Increased risk of injury and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and effects of pharmacotherapy: A nationwide longitudinal cohort study in South Korea. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1453100.
Rich, E. C., et al. (2009). Social functioning difficulties in ADHD: Association with PDD risk. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 14(3), 329.
White, R. D., et al. (2014). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Athletes. Sports Health, 6(2), 149.
Reading time: 2 min
Uploaded on: January 26, 2026
