Risk-Taking Behavior Mediates Injury in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: This study aimed to explore risk factors of risk-taking behavior (RTB) and injury in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The cross-sectional study assessed a clinical sample of 57 children aged 7 to 17 years who were diagnosed with ADHD. All participants completed measures of ADHD symptom severity, risky behaviors, and history of injury. Results: There was a positive correlation between RTB and rates of injury. Younger age and more severe ADHD symptoms were associated with RTB and with injury incidence. Children treated with ADHD medications displayed more risky behaviors, but there was no significant correlation between medication status and the number of sustained injuries. The effect of ADHD symptoms' severity on injury was mediated through risk-taking behavior. Conclusions: These results suggest that better control of ADHD symptoms should reduce RTB and associated injuries and call for investigation of methods to achieve it.