Driving and Psychotropic Medications: What Do Psychiatrists and Service Users Really Know?

Aims We ascertained the level of psychotropic medication use among drivers from a sample population and examined whether psychiatrists and mental health service users are sufficiently informed about the effects of medications on driving ability and about drug-driving legislation and guidelines in Ireland. Methods This cross-sectional survey included a convenience sample of 50 service users aged 18 and over who presented to the acute psychiatric unit in Portlaoise, Laois-Offaly Mental Health Services (LOMHS) for urgent psychiatric assessment, along with a survey of 37 doctors working with LOMHS. Results Almost half of surveyed service users (46%) reported that they currently drive, with the majority of these (78%) driving most days. Sixty-one percent (61%) of drivers reported taking psychotropic medication, with 64% of these taking more than one medication. Of 17 doctors who returned questionnaires, 8 (47%) reported that driving and medication use is a common concern in their practice, while only 1 (6%) had received training in relation to assessing medical fitness to drive. Overall, 94% (16) of clinicians and 54% of service users (rising to 71% for service users who drive and take medication) expressed a need for more information about this topic. Conclusion In this sample, the majority of mental health service users who drive do so while taking prescribed medications and they are unclear on the implications. Furthermore, there are significant deficits in training for psychiatrists in the area of assessing medical fitness to drive. Therefore, considering the potential serious risks involved, there is a clear need for more information and training about this topic for both clinicians and service users alike.