ADHD in Athletes Leads to Prolonged Concussion Recovery

Recent research indicates that high school athletes diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience longer recovery periods after sustaining a sport-related concussion. According to a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, athletes with ADHD took approximately 16% more time to return to classroom activities and 17% longer to resume sports compared to their peers without ADHD. This extended recovery is of particular concern since individuals with ADHD are believed to be more vulnerable to multiple concussions, partly because their attentional deficits may impair their awareness of environmental cues during gameplay.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Hawaii, analyzed outcomes of 935 athletes from 60 high schools who had suffered concussions between 2010 and 2018. Of these, 78 students had been diagnosed with ADHD. The findings revealed that, on average, students with ADHD took about 13 days to return to school and 21 days to return to sports after a concussion, compared to 11 and 18 days respectively for students without ADHD.

Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing ADHD as a significant risk factor for prolonged concussion recovery. Steven Broglio, director of the University of Michigan Concussion Center, noted that individuals with ADHD might not fully pay attention during sports, making them less likely to brace for or avoid head impacts.

Additionally, the study observed gender and age influences on recovery time, with female athletes and younger individuals generally experiencing longer recovery periods. For instance, an 18-year-old male athlete without ADHD is predicted to return in roughly 17 days, whereas a 15-year-old female athlete with ADHD might take over 23 days.

The findings suggest that healthcare providers should factor in ADHD status when managing concussion recovery and advise athletes, coaches, and parents accordingly. Understanding these extended timelines can help in planning return-to-play protocols and ensuring adequate recovery for at-risk athletes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-adhd-athletes-longer-recover-concussion.html