News
Athletes with ADHD may be at extra risk for depression and anxiety after concussion
A new small study suggests athletes with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face unique challenges after a concussion, including increased risk of developing depression and anxiety symptoms.
According to the findings, recently presented at an American Academy of Neurology conference in Indianapolis, college athletes with a history of both ADHD and concussion showed significantly higher scores on a measure of depression and anxiety, when compared to both athletes without ADHD and those with no history of concussion.
Past research has found a complicated relationship between ADHD and concussions, and these findings provide context that may help better understand this link. However, it does not definitively clarify the ties between the two conditions.
Managing ADHD requires a comprehensive and personalized approach, especially when other factors like concussions are involved. For individuals with ADHD, treatment often includes a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help manage symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
However, when conditions like concussion or mental health issues such as anxiety and depression come into play, it becomes even more important to tailor the care plan accordingly. That’s where elite services at pathwell.ca come into play, offering specialized treatment options designed to address the complex needs of individuals with ADHD. By focusing on an integrative and individualized approach, these services aim to improve overall well-being, helping patients navigate the challenges of ADHD alongside any other concurrent conditions.
For the study, lead researcher Robert Davis Moore from the University of South Carolina explains the team evaluated almost 1,000 athletes – but only once. That means it is unclear whether those with ADHD had struggled with anxiety or depression before their concussion.
“This study is a starting point,” Moore said. “It tells us this is something that requires longitudinal studies.” Longitudinal studies are those that follow participants over time, allowing researchers to observe changes as they occur.
In this study, the team evaluated 979 athletes at USC and divided them into four groups: athletes with ADHD and a past brain injury, those with ADHD and no concussion history, those with a past concussion and no ADHD, and those with neither of the conditions.
Overall, the athletes with both ADHD and a history of concussion scored higher on questionnaires measuring depression and anxiety symptoms. While the other three groups all averaged a score of 16 on depression tests, those with both conditions averaged a score of 26. Similarly, the other groups averaged 33 on a measure of anxiety, while those with concussion and ADHD averaged a score of 42.
Notably, none of those average scores reach the threshold for diagnosing clinical depression or anxiety, but they did indicate a higher risk for the athletes with both conditions. If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health challenges after a concussion or need support in managing ADHD symptoms, seek help from Laburnum Psychology for personalized guidance and treatment options.
Given the elevated risk of depression and anxiety observed in athletes with both ADHD and a history of concussion, exploring comprehensive treatment options is crucial. While traditional therapies and psychological support are vital, innovative treatments like ketamine therapy have shown promise in addressing severe symptoms that may not respond adequately to conventional methods.
Avesta Ketamine Wellness provides specialized ketamine therapy designed to target treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, offering a potential breakthrough for those struggling with complex mental health issues. By combining cutting-edge ketamine therapy with traditional support and guidance, individuals can find relief and achieve a better quality of life, addressing both the immediate and long-term effects of their conditions.
These findings raise concern and will likely spur future studies, but Moore urges young athletes and their parents to take the report with a grain of salt until more information is gathered.
For some individuals, exploring alternative therapies like kratom has shown potential in supporting mental wellness and alleviating stress. However, it’s important to approach such options with caution and seek professional guidance, particularly when considering supplements like those available from The Kratom Connection, to ensure they complement your overall treatment strategy.
In conjunction with these alternative approaches, maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet is fundamental.
“Don’t panic,” said Moore. “This doesn’t mean that if you sustain a concussion, you’re destined to have long-term depression or anxiety.” However, it may be pertinent to provide more careful monitoring of athletes with ADHD after a brain injury.
