Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Medication, and Risk of Injury

Authors

Michelle Steele, Brigham Young University
Ray M. Merrill, PhD, MPH, Brigham Young University

Keywords

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, medication, injury

College

Life Sciences

Department

Health Science

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a known disorder that mainly effects children but can carry on into adulthood. It is characterized by difficulty focusing, sustaining attention, and controlling behaviors. These characterizations can cause a person with ADHD to have a more difficult time accomplishing certain tasks. In a study involving medical claims data over the years 1998 through 2005, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was shown to increase the risk of several types of injury (Merrill). The study found that ADHD was associated with more severe and frequent injuries, but that medication had a protective effect against injury among patients. The purpose of the current study was to update frequencies and patterns of ADHD and selected types of medication use in our cohort. We then looked at how ADHD and medication influenced the rate of particular injuries. Focus will be on how selected types of medication may influence the risk of injury among ADHD patients according to the sex, age, and time variables.

Recommended Citation

Steele, Michelle and Merrill, PhD, MPH, Ray M. (2014) "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Medication, and Risk of Injury," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 755.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/755