Driving and Psychopathology in Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Getting a driver´s licence and participating in street traffic as a driver is one of the main steps in gaining autonomy for adolescents and young adults. This review gives an overview on developmental aspects and age specific permits, that can be obtained in Europe by adolescents and young adults from fifteen to twenty-five. The importance of psychiatric disorders and psychopathology for the ability to drive a vehicle or a motorcycle is discusse d with a special focus on externalising behaviour disorders like conduct disorders, disruptive behaviours and ADHD, currently neglected in adult psychiatric literature. An overview on impairment of the driving performance depending on psychopharmacological treatment is given. Treatment and psycho education of adolescents and young adults should include information on relevant issues for every day life, like obtaining a drivers permit and participating in traffic as a driver.