Driver’s license challenges for individuals with ADHD in Finland
Katja Huttunen, a 36-year-old from Äänekoski, received her driver’s license a couple of years ago, which required a medical certificate due to her ADD diagnosis. ADD is a form of attention deficit disorder that is part of ADHD. “I truthfully shared my diagnosis, medication, and driving ability during the medical examination,” Huttunen stated.
However, not everyone is as forthcoming. According to Petteri Harjuvaara, a specialist from Traficom, an estimated few hundred applicants each year do not submit the required medical certificate. This certificate is obligatory for those with specific health issues like ADHD, severe depression, or sleep apnea.
Conditions requiring a medical certificate include progressive eye diseases, diabetes, heart conditions, undiagnosed chest pain, neurological disorders, and mental health disorders, among others.
Since the current driving health guidelines were implemented in 2019, around 5% of new license applicants submit a medical statement annually. Authorities struggle to ensure that applicants actually provide these certificates.
Huttunen reported that driving still brings her anxiety. “In the beginning, I couldn’t keep the radio on while driving because it hindered my focus,” she noted. Concentration is still a significant challenge for her, especially during long journeys where distractions like roundabouts or other vehicles can be stress-inducing.
Despite her challenges, Huttunen finds value in having a driver’s license, as it brings independence and boosts her confidence. ADHD diagnoses have significantly increased, with over 100,000 patients receiving medication reimbursement for the condition in Finland last year. While ADHD isn’t necessarily a barrier to obtaining a license, impulsivity and inattentiveness can pose significant challenges.
Traficom is vigilant about health checks, but once a license is obtained, the police regulate the driver’s health. Harjuvaara emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals being active in addressing driving ability alongside treatment.