Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disabilities Modify Recovery and Sport Behavior Following Sport-Related Concussion. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pullen, Jesse C.; Wolfson, Daniel I.; Totten, Douglas J.; Jeckell, Aaron S.; Bonfield, Christopher M.; Zuckerman, Scott L.; Yengo-Kahn, Aaron M.
• Is Part Of: Clinical pediatrics. Volume 62:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 131
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: sport-related concussion -- brain concussion -- attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD) -- learning disabilities -- concussion experience; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1177/00099228221113787
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9228

Abstract

Limited evidence exists concerning how a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or learning disabilities (ADHD/LD) modifies recovery and behavior following sport-related concussion (SRC). To understand how ADHD/LD modifies the post-SRC experience, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of concussed young athletes through phone interviews with patients and guardians. Outcomes included time until symptom resolution (SR) and return-to-learn (RTL), plus subjective changes in post-SRC activity and sports behavior. Multivariate Cox and logistic regression was performed, adjusting for biopsychosocial characteristics. The ADHD/LD diagnosis was independently associated with worse outcomes, including lower likelihood to achieve SR (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.41-0.94]; P = .02) and RTL (HR = 0.55, 95% CI = [0.36-0.83]; P < .01) at any time following injury, and increased odds of changing sport behavior after concussion (odds ratio [OR] = 3.26, 95% CI = [1.26-8.42], P = .02), often to a safer style of play (62.5% vs 39.6%; P = .02) or retiring from the sport (37.5% vs 18.5%; P = .02). These results provide further evidence of the unique needs for athletes with ADHD/LD following SRC.