Russia to Revise the List of Conditions Prohibiting Driving
In a recent update, the list of medical conditions that serve as contraindications for operating a vehicle has undergone significant changes. The updated list now includes four main categories: mental disorders, substance-related disorders, nervous system disorders, and eye diseases.
Mental Disorders
Conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other nonpsychotic mental disorders (ICD-10 F40.0 to F48.9) might affect an individual's ability to drive safely, depending on their severity. Active psychotic episodes or severe symptoms can significantly impair judgment and reaction time for those with psychotic disorders (e.g., F20.0 to F29.9 Schizophrenia). Cognitive disorders like dementia or severe depression can also impact an individual's ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Substance-Related Disorders
Alcohol and drug dependence with intoxication or withdrawal (ICD-10 F10.2 to F19.2) can impair driving ability, as can substance-induced psychosis or other substance-related conditions (F10.5 to F19.5).
Nervous System Disorders
Seizures, as seen in epilepsy (G40.0 to G40.9), are a clear contraindication for driving due to the risk of loss of consciousness. In advanced stages, conditions like Parkinson's Disease (G20) and Multiple Sclerosis (G35) can impair motor coordination and reaction time, affecting an individual's ability to drive safely.
Eye Diseases
Conditions that affect visual acuity or field of vision, such as color vision anomaly (H53.5) or other eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal detachment if they significantly impair vision, are now included in the updated list.
Psychological Development Disorders
Starting from September 1, general psychological development disorders such as autism, Rett syndrome, and Asperger's syndrome are considered medical contraindications for operating a vehicle.
It is important to note that the specific contraindications for driving can vary by country and region, depending on local laws and medical guidelines. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to check with local health authorities or relevant medical guidelines in your area. The updated list of medical contraindications for operating a vehicle now includes "color vision anomaly" as a separate category, and "color blindness" is not classified as a psychological development disorder in this updated list.
In a notable change, Achromatopsia (H53.51) is no longer included in the fourth category of medical contraindications for operating a vehicle. This revision suggests that individuals with Achromatopsia may now be eligible to drive, provided they meet other criteria and local regulations. As always, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to assess individual conditions and their impact on driving ability.
Science and health-and-wellness professionals have added psychological development disorders such as autism, Rett syndrome, and Asperger's syndrome to the list of medical conditions that may contraindicate driving, following updated guidelines. This expanded list also includes conditions like Achromatopsia, a neurological disorder that affects color vision, which was previously considered a contraindication but is no longer in the eye diseases category. The medical-conditions list now includes mental health issues like anxiety disorders, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as substance-related disorders and nervous system disorders that might impact an individual's driving capabilities.
