0
0
January 7, 2025
Older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) engage in riskier driving behaviors compared to their nondepressed counterparts, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open. The findings suggest that MDD contributes to unsafe driving practices, including hard braking, abrupt cornering, and unpredictable driving routes.
The study, conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, tracked real-world driving behaviors using commercial vehicle data loggers installed in participants’ cars. Over an average follow-up period of 1.1 years, data revealed that individuals with MDD showed significantly higher frequencies of risky driving behaviors, even after accounting for antidepressant use and overall medication burden.
Key Findings
The study cohort included 395 participants aged 65 and older, with 85 diagnosed with MDD. Participants with MDD demonstrated:
- Increased risky behaviors: More hard braking and cornering events.
- Unpredictable driving routes: Higher entropy in driving patterns, reflecting less predictable behaviors.
- Greater exposure: Longer time spent driving and more frequent trips to unique destinations.
“These findings highlight the profound impact of MDD on everyday tasks like driving,” said first author Ganesh M. Babulal, PhD, OTD. “Unlike previous studies relying on controlled environments or self-reports, our use of real-world data adds robust evidence of how MDD influences driving in natural settings.”
The study also noted that MDD’s effects on driving were independent of medications commonly associated with driving impairments, underscoring the direct role of depression in risky behaviors.
Implications for Road Safety
With older adults projected to make up 25% of drivers in the U.S. by 2050, ensuring their driving safety is increasingly critical. Late-life depression, which affects 8% of U.S. adults, often remains undiagnosed, leaving its impact on activities like driving unchecked.
“Clinicians need to proactively discuss driving safety with older adults showing depressive symptoms,” said Dr. Ipsit Vahia of McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. “This study adds a layer of nuance to our understanding, linking depression with behaviors like speeding and erratic driving.”
The researchers stress the importance of routine depression screenings and tailored interventions to mitigate driving risks. These could include:
- Cognitive retraining programs to address depression-related impairments.
- Driver rehabilitation initiatives focused on safe driving strategies.
- Self-regulation education encouraging patients to avoid challenging driving conditions, such as nighttime or high-traffic environments.
Challenges and Future Research
The study acknowledged certain limitations, including the inability to account for changes in depression severity over time and the influence of coexisting psychiatric conditions. External factors, such as weather and traffic, were also not evaluated.
However, the findings underscore the need for more targeted strategies to preserve both the safety and independence of older adults with depression.
“Major depressive disorder is common and treatable,” said Dr. Babulal. “Addressing its impact on driving can have significant benefits for older adults’ overall safety and quality of life.”
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging.
