Concussion Characteristics in Adults With ADHD Seen in a Specialty Concussion Clinic

Abstract

Background: Concussions are a prevalent health concern, affecting millions of individuals in the United States yearly. Concussion symptomology overlaps with other conditions making diagnosis and management particularly challenging, particularly among individuals with ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant portion of the adult population. Objective: To enhance our understanding of symptom resolution and identify factors that could influence concussion care management, the purpose of the current study was to examine the recovery trajectory of adults diagnosed with both ADHD and concussion compared to the trajectory of adults who have experienced a concussion but do not have an ADHD diagnosis. Methods: The study included a retrospective chart review of patients treated for concussion at a concussion specialty clinic. Results: The findings of the study revealed no significant differences in history of concussion or recovery time between patients with and without ADHD. It was observed that patients with ADHD had a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Conclusions: The findings of the current study underscore the need for additional research to guide the care of patients diagnosed with both ADHD and concussion.