Written in collaboration with Rolando Gonzalez, M.D.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition often associated with difficulty sustaining attention, being distracted easily, high levels of energy, and challenges managing impulses.

In general, ADHD is present in 5 to 7 percent of children and 2.5 to 5 percent of adults in the United States. There is limited research in the area of mental health and athletes, but It is suspected that the rates of ADHD are higher in the athletic population. As high as 5 percent of active Major League Baseball players meet clinical criteria for ADHD. Making the diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult due to the stigma of discussing mental health, the limited presence of mental health providers in sports, and various other conditions that can often look like or overlap with symptoms of ADHD. Sports psychiatrists, who often diagnose, manage, and treat ADHD, recommend looking for the following five signs:

A sports psychiatrist can effectively evaluate for signs and symptoms of ADHD. They provide a clinical diagnosis, education on what to expect long-term with the illness, and effective treatment options.

Medication can be a powerful and effective treatment option for those athletes struggling with ADHD symptoms that are impacting their performance. A common class of medications that treat ADHD work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine and increasing their release. In addition, behavioral modification can be a helpful treatment option. This could include giving concise instructions and having the player summarize their understanding of the subject or repeat back. There are many treatment options, including medications and behavioral therapy. If you are concerned that an athlete or someone you know may have ADHD, please contact a local sports psychiatrist and request a consultation.

Written in collaboration with Rolando Gonzalez, M.D. Dr. Gonzalez is a licensed psychiatrist passionate about optimizing mental well-being and performance by managing mental illnesses and day-to-day challenges. Dr. Gonzalez is board-certified in general and child/adolescent psychiatry.

References

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Han D. McDuff D, Thompson D, et al. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in elite athletes: a narrative review. Br J Sports Med. 2019;;53:741–745. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-100713

Wilus M. Coaching strategies for exceptional (ADHD) athletes. Graduate Annual. 2013; 1:article 13.

Wolfe E, Madden K. Evidence-Based Considerations and Recommendations for Athletic Trainers Caring for Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Athletic Training. 2016;51(10):813–820. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-51.12.11

Martin T. Public Report of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, 2018. Available: http://www.mlb.com/documents/3/8/2/301315382/IPA_2018_Public_Report_113… [Accessed 31 Jan 2019].

Han DH, McDuff D, Thompson D, et al. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in elite athletes: a narrative review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019;53:741–745.