Enhancing ADHD Driving Performance With Stimulant Medication

Among children, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with an increased risk for accidents, especially bicycle and pedestrian (Leibson 2001; Jensen 1988; DiScala 1998). Anywhere from 40% to 80% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to display symptoms of the disorder into adolescence(Barkley 1990; Gittelman 1985). Adolescents with ADHD are also at an increased risk for driving-related accidents, being 2 to 4 times more likely to experience a motor vehicle accident (Barkley 1993; Barkley 1996; Cox 2000), 4 times as likely to be at fault in the accident (Barkley 1993), and over 3 times more likely to incur associated injuries as a result of the accident(Murphy 1996). Stimulant treatment with immediate-release methylphenidate (IR MPH) has been demonstrated to improve driving performance in adolescents with ADHD. Hypothesis to be Tested: * Main study: Just as stimulant medication improves simulation and on-road driving performance of ADHD teenagers, it is hypothesized that stimulant medication will improve routine driving performance. * Substudy - Extended wear (15 hours) of Daytrana will lead to safer driving late in the evening (22:00 and 01:00), when the most dangerous driving mishaps are most likely to occur, and the next morning at 09:00.