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According to a recent study, having depression might increase your risk of being unsafe while driving as you get older.
Scientists from Washington University examined around 400 individuals aged 65 and above over a period of one year and discovered that those with major depressive disorder posed greater risks as drivers compared to those not affected by the condition.
The participants with depression They were more prone than those who didn’t to drive erratically, slam on brakes suddenly, and navigate turns at excessive speeds, thereby increasing the likelihood of vehicular crashes.
Around 8% of U.S. adults suffered from major depressive disorder in 2021, which equates to roughly 21 million individuals.
The number of affected individuals who are elderly remains unspecified; however, as noted by the study’s authors, late-onset depression among older adults frequently goes unrecognized, suggesting that it might be prevalent within this demographic.
Doctors have known for a long time that older adults tend to get in more car crashes than younger adults - and have suggested that medication, dementia or mood disorders like depression could be behind the trend.
Researchers posit depression in older people makes them more likely to be reckless drivers because of the disorder's effects on concentration and reflexes.
Here, they suggest depression could be a contributor, and say early diagnosis of the condition in elderly people could make the road safer for everyone.
In 2022, approximately 42,514 Americans died in motor vehicle crashes, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute Of these, approximately 5,626 individuals who qualified were over the age of 70.
As the quality of life enhances for seniors and the typical lifespan continues to extend, the count of individuals aged 65 and above in the United States is anticipated to rise, hitting approximately 88 million by 2050.
That means that by that year, about one quarter of all people on the road will be above age 65.
Even without depression, many elderly people see their reflexes start to decline, and begin seeing some levels of cognitive changes that may make it harder to focus while driving.
But these symptoms may become more pronounced with depression. In MDD, people's symptoms may interfere with their driving abilities.
For example, many people with MDD may struggle to concentrate, according to Mayo Clinic, which might make driving more difficult.
In other cases, people with the condition literally have slowed bodily movement and thinking, which can make it difficult to mount reflexes needed to react to things on the road.
An older study conducted by this research group found people over 65 with MDD were three times more likely to fail a driving test than people without the condition.
The research was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open.
Scientists from Washington University School of Medicine tracked a group of 395 individuals around the age of 70 for a period ranging from one to two years.
Out of these, 85 individuals had received a diagnosis of major depressive disorder yet were otherwise psychologically sound.
Each participant had a specialized device installed in their vehicle by the researchers, which tracked their driving behavior from start to finish.
It assessed parameters such as speed, frequency of nighttime travel, the intensity of braking, and how fast individuals navigated corners. By integrating all these elements, experts might be capable of evaluating one’s driving abilities prior to any accidents occurring.
By the end of the research, the scientists discovered that individuals suffering from Major Depressive Disorder tended to exceed speed limits, navigate turns at higher velocities, and apply their brakes more abruptly compared to those not affected by this disorder.
They also identified several elements that caused them to determine individuals suffering from the condition exhibited generally more erratic driving behavior.
The researchers stated: "Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder exhibited increased risky driving behavior over time when contrasted with the control group."
These patterns stayed significant even when the researchers accounted for other elements that might have affected driving behavior, such as medication usage.
In the United States, there are no specific laws banning individuals from driving based on age. Nevertheless, some states might require older drivers, particularly those above 65 years old, to renew their licenses at shorter intervals compared to younger ones.
The researchers suggest that older people, especially those with MDD, might benefit from taking extra precautions when driving.
This includes avoiding driving at night or during inclement weather, and making sure to take familiar routes to your destinations.
In addition to general suggestions, the scientists advised implementing improved screenings for elderly drivers. This would help both the drivers and their families become more informed about potential hazards.
They said: 'Regular screening for depression and cognitive impairments in older drivers, coupled with assessing driving fitness and tailored driving safety programs and support systems, can help enhance road safety and maintain the independence of older adults.'
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