Aroma of the essential oil of peppermint reduces aggressive driving behaviour in healthy adults.

Aggressive driving is of increasing concern in modern society. This study investigated the potential for the presence of an ambient aroma to reduce aggressive responses in a simulated driving situation. Previous literature has demonstrated the beneficial effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) aroma on driver alertness and we aimed to identify any impact on aggressive driver behaviour. Fifty volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (peppermint essential oil aroma and no aroma). Aggressive driving behaviours were measured in a virtual reality driving simulator. The analysis indicated that the peppermint aroma significantly reduced aggressive driving behaviours. The presence of the aroma also produced medium sized effects on some aspects of mood from pre-test levels. These results provide support for the use of ambient aromas for the modification of driving behaviours. It is proposed that applying peppermint into daily driving may be a beneficial for reducing driver aggression.

Aggressive Driving Behaviours in Cannabis Users. The Influence of Consumer Characteristics.

This study analysed dangerous driving behaviours in twenty young occasional cannabis users through objective and self-reported data, studying the relationship between the two aspects. Visual function was assessed in a baseline session and after smoking cannabis, as well as speed-related behaviour in a driving simulator. The participants responded to questionnaires on sociodemographic factors, their consumption profile, and the incidence of dangerous behaviours (Dula Dangerous Driving Index; DDDI). After cannabis use, the results revealed a significant deterioration in visual function. In terms of speed management, they showed significantly greater acceleration force in the two different sections of the route, and they drove significantly faster. Our correlations indicate that males and heavier users display more risky speed management. Likewise, the heavier cannabis users admitted to increased dangerous driving behaviour, and an accident in the preceding year was associated with a trend towards aggressive driving behaviour according to the DDDI questionnaire. The findings of this study suggest that cannabis users adopt dangerous behaviours when driving, despite the effect this drug has on certain important functions, such as vision. The results suggest a need for awareness-raising and information campaigns.

Risk-Taking Behaviors in Huntington's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Risky behaviors are common in Huntington's disease (HD) and can lead to significant adverse consequences. However, the prevalence and scope of these symptoms have not been studied systematically, and no empirically validated measures are available to screen for them. OBJECTIVE: To test a novel screening tool designed to assess risk-taking behaviors in HD. METHODS: We administered the Risk Behavior Questionnaire (RBQ-HD) to HD patients and caregivers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center between 2018-2019. Patients completed the questionnaire based on self-report; caregivers provided collateral reports. Clinical and demographic information were obtained from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: 60 patients and 60 caregivers completed the RBQ-HD. 80% of patients (n = 48) and 91.7% of caregivers (n = 60) reported at least one risky behavior. Adverse social behaviors, impulsive/compulsive behaviors, and reckless driving were the most common behavioral domains reported. Male patients were more likely to report risky behaviors than females (92.3% vs. 70.6%, p = 0.04). The number of risky behaviors reported by patients and caregivers was negatively correlated with patient age (r = -0.32, p = 0.01; r = -0.47, p = 0.0001, respectively). Patient and caregiver reports were highly correlated in matched pairs (n = 30; r = 0.63, p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize that risky behaviors are highly prevalent in HD and can be effectively identified through the use of a novel screening measure. We hypothesize that early pathological involvement of frontostriatal and mesolimbic networks may be important factors in the development of these behaviors.

Evaluating the relationship between adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and riding behavior of motorcyclists.

BACKGROUND: Motorcycling is one of the main causes of injury, and motorcyclists are vulnerable to road traffic injuries. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults is presumably one of the determinants of road traffic injuries and motorcyclists' risky behavior. Despite the few studies on the relationship between motorcycle injuries and adult ADHD, their association has not been investigated using standardized instruments. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between motorcyclists' adult ADHD and risky riding behaviors. METHODS: This community-based, cross-sectional study was performed on 340 motorcyclists in Bukan city, west Azerbaijan province, Iran in 2015 and 2016 using a cluster-random sampling in seven areas of the city. According to the city map used by Bukan's Health Centers, the city was divided into 14 clusters. Then, seven clusters (out of 14) were selected randomly. To reach the anticipated sample size, the data were collected from these seven clusters. In this study, the data collection instruments were: standard Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ), Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) questionnaire and a checklist designed by the researchers. The Stata 13 software package was used to analyze the collected data. Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression were performed to study the linear relationship between ADHD screening and MRBQ scores. RESULTS: All 340 participants were male and the mean age was 30.2 years (SD=9.1). In addition, 22.1% of motorcyclists had a history of motorcycle crash. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between risky riding behaviors and age, motorcycling records, and mean of riding hours per day (P-value less than 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed the correlation between ADHD and risky riding behaviors in all subscales (A, B, D) (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Those with a high ADHD screening score are more likely to have risky riding behaviors.