Multiple Self-Reported Concussions Are More Prevalent in Athletes With ADHD and Learning Disability

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Previous research suggests developmental disorders increase injury risk and impair cognitive function.
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disability (LD) are common neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Concussion assessment relies on symptom reporting and cognitive performance measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ADHD, LD, concussion history, and baseline performance on concussion assessment measures.
• To determine if ADHD and LD are linked to a higher prevalence of concussions.
• To examine the impact of ADHD and LD on cognitive performance and symptom reporting in athletes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study analyzing preseason baseline data from 8056 high school and collegiate athletes.
• Data aggregated from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Concussion Study and Project Sideline.
• Measures included demographic/health history, self-reported symptoms, and cognitive performance.

Main Results:

• ADHD and LD were associated with significantly higher prevalence of multiple concussions (PRs 2.93 and 2.08, respectively; comorbid ADHD/LD PR 3.38).
• Athletes with ADHD reported more baseline symptoms, and both ADHD and LD were linked to poorer baseline cognitive performance.
• Interactive effects were observed between ADHD/LD status and concussion history on self-reported symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and LD, and concussion history, should be evaluated together in athletes.
• Clinical assessments of symptoms and cognitive function post-concussion need adjustment based on individual pre-injury baselines or normative data.
• This highlights the importance of considering pre-existing conditions in concussion management.