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Updated: Aug 25, 2025
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A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
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Concussion Exposure and Suicidal Ideation, Planning, and Attempts Among US High School Students
Jacob J M Kay1,2, Colt A Coffman3, Adam Harrison4
1Department of Pediatrics, Prisma Health Children's Hospital, Columbia, SC.
Journal of Athletic Training
|October 17, 2022
Summary
Repetitive concussions in adolescents are linked to increased odds of suicidal attempts, especially in males. Healthcare providers should monitor mental health in youth with multiple concussions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Growing interest exists in the link between repetitive concussions and mental health outcomes.
- Limited research has explored concussion frequency's impact on adverse mental health in adolescent males and females.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-reported concussion frequency and nonfatal suicidal behaviors in youth.
- To examine potential interactions between concussion frequency and biological sex regarding mental health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted using data from the National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.
- United States secondary school students (N=28,442) reported sport- or recreation-related concussions in the past 12 months (0, 1, ≥2).
- Outcomes included self-reported sadness, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts, with adjustments for covariates like age, sex, and bullying victimization.
Main Results:
- Adolescents reporting two or more concussions had significantly higher odds of reporting suicidal attempts compared to those with one concussion (aOR=2.03).
- This association appeared driven by males, as the strength of the link between single and multiple concussions did not increase among females.
- Concussion was associated with increased odds of poor mental health and suicidal behaviors in adolescents.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents reporting concussions, particularly multiple events, face increased odds of suicidal attempts, with a notable trend in males.
- Healthcare professionals must monitor mental health in adolescents with repetitive concussions, especially those occurring close in time.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering concussion history in adolescent mental health assessments.
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