Scientists have linked ADHD in athletes with an increased risk of concussions
Athletes with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more at risk of concussions and recover from such injuries longer than usual. This was reported by the Medical Xpress portal.
According to the statistics provided in the study, ADHD is diagnosed in 4.2–8.1% of young athletes. Recognizing this syndrome is an important factor in assessing injuries, it will allow you to interpret the symptoms more accurately and make safe decisions about resuming training.
According to a study by the University of Mississippi, athletes with ADHD are 1.6–2.5 times more likely to have concussions. According to experts, this may be due to impulsivity and a tendency to risky behavior. At the same time, the recovery period in such patients takes four or six days longer than in athletes without this diagnosis.
Scientists note that the diagnosis of head injuries in people with ADHD is complicated by the similarity of symptoms. Fatigue, sleep problems, emotional instability, and difficulty concentrating are characteristic of both the syndrome and sports concussion. As a result, it can be difficult for doctors to determine which condition is causing a particular symptom.
Jeffrey Parr, researcher
My stepson suffers from ADHD, and I've noticed that many of the symptoms he experiences on a daily basis match what we see with concussions. When he hit his head, I realized how difficult it was to distinguish his usual ADHD symptoms from the signs of injury.
Experts also pointed out problems with basic neurocognitive testing. According to Corbit Franks, associate professor and coordinator of clinical education in sports training at the University of Mississippi, standard computer tests can give inaccurate results for athletes with ADHD due to their chronic attention retention difficulties. This leads to errors in diagnosis and hinders quality treatment.
The authors of the paper call for a review of the protocols for returning to training and sports for this category of people. Franks emphasized that the diagnosis and treatment of concussions should become more individualized, taking into account the psychological and neurobiological characteristics of each athlete.
On July 8, Medical Xpress reported on the dangers of hiding ADHD symptoms for mental health. According to the publication, such attempts can lead to exhaustion, anxiety and depression, and in the long run can worsen the symptoms of the syndrome itself. Eliminating so-called masking is said to be a lengthy process that requires time and support.
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