DVLA checking medical conditions
Researchers tested sixty people by allowing them to drive on a simulation to test driving skills, reactions and concentration. The results found that those drivers on a high dose of anti depressants had much poorer driving skills, meaning that the DVLA will now need to look at this.
Lead researcher Dr Holly Dannewitz said: "There is obviously more work to do on this. We need a much larger study, but there certainly seems to be some sort of link.
"I think people who are depressed, especially those on anti-depressants, should be aware of this if they are driving or doing anything that relies on concentration and reaction skills."
Drivers in England and Wales are requested to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency if they have a medical condition which could impair their driving and this does include depression.
However, driving restrictions are much more likely to be imposed on those who have a history of conditions such as epilepsy or strokes.
A spokesman for the DVLA said: "Assessments are done on a case-by-case basis. We would urge anyone who feels their driving is impaired by a medical condition to contact us."
But Alison Kerry, from the mental health charity Mind, said: "Depression can affect people in many different ways, but one of the common symptoms is experiencing difficulty concentrating.
"However, it's important to state that everyone has highs and lows in concentration and reaction times, and a period of depression doesn't mean that you're a danger on the roads."
Drivers are supposed to inform the DVLA if they have been diagnosed with an illness that could affect their driving, which does include depression. However, under the current system, it is mainly going to be drivers who are suffering from strokes and epilepsy that receive driving restrictions.
Source [BBC]
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