Sweden: ADHD a Hinder for Driver’s License

People suffering from ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, might not be entitled to get a driver’s license.

The Swedish Road Administration plans to exclude people with ADHD because they could pose a threat to road safety.

Speaking to Swedish Radio news, the head physician of the Swedish Road Administration compared ADHD to diseases like epilepsy or alcoholism.

From May, epileptics or alcoholics will already have to prove that they are able to drive. Otherwise they will be banned from driving.

Source: By Sveriges Radio 2008

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ADHD & Driving

Calochilus's picture

The failure of authorities to realise that it is untreated ADHD which is the risk factor in driving behaviour will inevitably have the effect of forcing ADHD sufferers to seek alternative and inappropriate diagnoses and treatment in order to qualify to hold a drivers licence. This has profound implications, both for the sufferers themselves, and the professional integrity of their treating practitioners.
ADHD is dimensional in its nature and to assign an arbitrary cut-off is fraught with pitfalls.
To fail to recognise the relationship between ADHD and addictive behaviours such as alcoholism indicates a superficial understanding of the problem.

Sweden: ADHD a Hinder for Driver’s License

Luthien's picture

Hi
I am disappointed and saddened to read this. I have inattentive ADD (ADHD-PI) pretty severely and despite that, in the 8 years that I have had my license, I have never had an accident. I think that this is a very concerning development in twisting new data that is meant to help people with ADD/ADHD.

I strongly encourage any Swedish readers of this to file an appeal of this decision, or get involved locally and create some ‘noise’ about this.

~ luthien