A-12 Mental Health Outcomes for CFL Athletes with ADHD

Abstract

Purpose: Current research suggests that athletes with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at risk for poorer outcomes arising from sport related concussions (SRC). There is limited research related evaluating mental health outcomes in athletes diagnosed with ADHD. The purpose of the study is to evaluate mental health outcomes among Canadian Football League (CFL) athletes with (ADHD) and to measure outcomes based upon a history of concussion. Methods: Professional football players from the CFL (n = 784) were administered a baseline mental health measure, the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL), as a component of pre-season evaluations as part of a larger cohort study (Active Rehabilitation). Diagnosis of ADHD was the independent variable and HRQL index scores measuring physical functioning, depression, cognitive functioning, were dependent variables. A second analysis compared ADHD athletes with no history of concussion to those with a history of concussion on the HRQL indexes. Results: Participants diagnosed with ADHD (n = 80) had statistically significant differences on the Physical Functioning (t(782) = −3.359, p < 0.001), Depression ((t(782) = −2.820, p = 0.002) and Cognitive (t(782) = −3.570, p < 0.001) domains of the HRQL, compared to athletes without ADHD. Among the athletes who are diagnosed with ADHD, no mental health differences were found between those who have at least one concussion and those who do not. Conclusions: This study did not find a significant effect of concussion on mental health outcomes in participants with ADHD. However, athletes with ADHD present with higher mental health symptoms which may merit closer monitoring.

Neurodiversity in elite sport: a systematic scoping review

“…In terms of populations studied within the review literature, most work focused on college athlete groups, primarily in the USA 28 31 32 35–37 47 49. Professional Canadian footballers were studied in one reviewed publication 33. One study focused on Swedish national athletes applying for university sporting scholarships 29.…”

“…The literature to date on neurodivergence in elite sport has largely focused on ADHD, and specifically on the screening, treatment and management of concussion among elite athletes with ADHD 28 31–33 35–37. Among the college athlete population, ADHD has been examined as a risk factor for previous and future concussion.…”

“… 28 31 32 35–37 47 49 Professional Canadian footballers were studied in one reviewed publication. 33 One study focused on Swedish national athletes applying for university sporting scholarships. 29 Another study examined Swedish youth who were enrolled in the Swedish national sports talent programme.…”

“…28 The most frequent study design was observational with 10 studies (48%) examining athlete cohorts through surveys, medical examination data or other routinely collected information regarding athlete health and well-being. [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] Of the observational studies, six were conducted in the USA, 28 31 32 35-37 one was conducted Open access in Canada, 33 two in Sweden, 29 30 one in China. 34 The remaining studies were systematic or narrative reviews, 26 38-40 commentary/position statements [41][42][43][44][45][46] and qualitative studies, [47][48][49] conducted in the USA 47 49 and France.…”