![HR Logo [Recovered]_Full Color Vertical-1](https://blog.healthyroster.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HR%20Logo%20%5BRecovered%5D_Full%20Color%20Vertical-1.png?width=199&height=178&name=HR%20Logo%20%5BRecovered%5D_Full%20Color%20Vertical-1.png)
By
New research from the University of Mississippi is adding to a growing body of evidence suggesting that athletes with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may require a more individualized approach to concussion evaluation and recovery.
Published in Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, the review found that athletes with ADHD may be 1.6 to 2.5 times more likely to sustain a concussion, experience more severe or prolonged symptoms, and take an average of four to six additional days to recover.
"Our purpose was to bring together high-quality, peer-reviewed research into a single review paper for clinicians, coaches and athletes and see how much ADHD affects the risk, assessment and recovery of concussion," said Corbit Franks, assistant professor and clinical education coordinator for athletic training at the University of Mississippi.
One of the biggest challenges is that ADHD symptoms—including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and emotional regulation—can closely resemble concussion symptoms. That overlap can complicate baseline testing, diagnosis, and return-to-play decisions.
"When athletes would come in and they had ADHD, it helped me understand that taking this test... is not going to look the same as it does for an athlete who maintains attention all the time," Franks said.
The researchers suggest concussion management may need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model.
"When you look at athletics in general, we've started to attempt to treat athletes more as individuals," Franks said. "So why are we not looking at concussions more as an individualized thing?"
Co-author Jeffrey Parr emphasized that recognizing ADHD as a modifying factor can improve clinical decision-making.
"Recognizing ADHD as a modifier can lead to more accurate diagnoses, better symptom interpretation and safer return-to-play decisions," Parr said. "It also highlights the need for Athletic Trainers to be particularly aware of which athletes have an ADHD diagnosis."
How can ADHD affect concussion assessment?
ADHD symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and emotional regulation can overlap with concussion symptoms, making clinical evaluation more complex.
Why might athletes with ADHD take longer to recover from a concussion?
The review found athletes with ADHD often report more persistent post-concussion symptoms and may require additional time before safely returning to learning and sports.
Should baseline concussion testing be interpreted differently for athletes with ADHD?
Research suggests clinicians should consider an athlete's ADHD diagnosis when reviewing baseline cognitive testing, as ADHD may influence attention, processing speed, and test performance.
What does this research mean for Athletic Trainers?
The findings reinforce the importance of individualized concussion management, taking into account an athlete's medical history, baseline function, and existing conditions when making return-to-play decisions.
Related Topics
- ADHD and Athletics, Concussion Management, Baseline Concussion Testing, Return-to-Play, Return-to-Learn, Athletic Trainers, Sports Medicine, Student-Athlete Health, Neurocognitive Assessment
About Healthy Roster
Healthy Roster helps Athletic Trainers manage injuries, document care, and streamline communication from the sideline to the athletic training room. With integrated documentation and concussion management tools—including seamless integration with Sway Concussion—Athletic Trainers can make more informed decisions while keeping athlete records organized and accessible.
