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Updated: Nov 5, 2025
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Diagnosed and Nondisclosed Sport-Related Concussion: An Exploratory Comparison Study by ADHD Status in Collegiate
Erica Beidler1, Ara J Schmitt1, Michael Matta2
1Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Objective:
To determine if ADHD status in collegiate athletes was associated with differences in the number of diagnosed and nondisclosed sport-related concussions, and reasons why suspected concussive injuries were not reported.
Method:
A cross-sectional survey was completed by 858 collegiate athletes (65 with ADHD; 793 without ADHD). The survey included self-report items regarding ADHD status and histories of diagnosed and nondisclosed sport-related concussions. Groups were matched for gender, age, and sport with a ratio of one participant with ADHD to four without ADHD.
Results:
Collegiate athletes with ADHD reported significantly more diagnosed sport-related concussions and were more likely to have a history of diagnosis compared to those without ADHD. There were no significant differences between groups regarding sport-related concussion nondisclosure history.
Conclusion:
Collegiate athletes with ADHD have an increased prevalence rate of diagnosed sport-related concussions compared to those without ADHD; however, this developmental disorder may not influence injury nondisclosure decisions.
