Depression Overview
- Overview of Depression and Suicide
- Depression in Adolescence: Girls
- Test Anxiety: What to Do about It
- The Best Psychiatrists in the U.S.A.
- Depression: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Depression and driving
Depression Overview ›› Depression Overview
Don't Drive Under the Influence of Antidepressants. Depression affects driver judgment and behavior. Poor concentration and problems processing information can be treated, but antidepressants can make driving dangerous.
If you are unsure whether depression affects your driving - you will need to check with your doctor or consultant who will be able to advise you.
People who are dealing with depression sometimes have major memory and concentration problems and may also be dealing with suicidal thoughts. Losing concentration in congested downtown traffic could be disastrous, considering pedestrians often jaywalk and step into harm's way. Depression causes extreme fatigue – dangerous for any driver.
Some antidepressant medications can cause blurred vision and this can be particularly concerning when coupled with the often poor visual capacities of the elderly. Your doctor will take all of these factors into account when advising you on road safety.
If you are taking antidepressants, read instructions for medication use carefully and note any specific cautions about side effects that may affect driving ability.
During this period of adjustment, driving can be dangerous. In fact, a person beginning antidepressant therapy is advised against driving (among other warnings).