Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Amongst Today’s NCAA Student-Athletes

Abstract

Mental health disorders amongst National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes is a major concern for colleges, universities, coaches, athletic trainers and the colleges and universities that these student-athletes attend. As a result, many student-athletes are suffering from the lack of support system to aid them during their college career. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to introduce Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and discuss the effects it can have on a student-athlete as well as the improvements that can be made by providing an appropriate support system. Practical implication from the paper can contribute towards the growing awareness of mental health disorders among NCAA student-athletes, in particular ADHD. Coaches, athletic trainers, athletic administrators, counselors and advisors can learn to understand the daily constraints student-athletes can face in dealing with this mental health disorder. Strategies for improving and assessing the current mental well-being of student-athletes suffering from ADHD are discussed.