title: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a risk factor for concussions in NCAA division-I athletes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sports-related concussions are associated with both acute and long-term consequences. Past work has identified novel risk factors and modifiers for concussions, including mood and neuropsychiatric disorders. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that may also contribute to concussion risk, although no study has examined this possibility.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and thirty-nine NCAA Division-I athletes at Kent State University (KSU) self-reported a history of prior concussion and diagnostic history of ADHD as part of a larger concussion management programme at KSU.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ADHD was prevalent (10.1%) and 18.0% of the sample reported a prior history of at least one concussion injury. 50.4% of athletes with ADHD reported a history of at least one prior concussion vs 14.4% of athletes without ADHD, which represented a significant difference (p < 0.01). Analyses showed that athletes with ADHD were more likely to report a past history of concussions than those without ADHD (F (1,133) = 4.31, p = 0.04).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ADHD is prevalent in NCAA Division-I athletes and associated with history of past concussions. If replicated, these findings could have important implications in the prevention and management of concussions in athletes with ADHD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Kent State University , Kent, OH , USA.
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Alosco
authors.forename: Andrew F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Fedor
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gunstad
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D004856:Postural Balance; D015995:Prevalence; D011930:Reaction Time; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D013177:Sports