scholarly journals Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in elite athletes: a narrative review

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 741-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doug Hyun Han ◽  
David McDuff ◽  
Donald Thompson ◽  
Mary E Hitchcock ◽  
Claudia L Reardon ◽  
...  

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common brain developmental disorder in the general population that may be even more prevalent in elite athletes in certain sports. General population studies of ADHD are extensive and have reported on prevalence, symptoms, therapeutic and adverse effects of treatment and new clinical and research findings. However, few studies have reported on prevalence, symptoms and treatments of ADHD in elite athletes. This narrative review summarises the literature on symptoms, comorbidities, effects of ADHD on performance and management options for elite athletes with ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD in student athletes and elite athletes may be 7%–8%. The symptoms and characteristics of ADHD play a role in athletes’ choice of a sport career and further achieving elite status. Proper management of ADHD in elite athletes is important for safety and performance, and options include pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Alyson R. Pierick ◽  
Melodie Lynn ◽  
Courtney M. McCracken ◽  
Matthew E. Oster ◽  
Glen J. Iannucci

Abstract Introduction: The prevalence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the general population is common and is now diagnosed in 4%–12% of children. Children with CHD have been shown to be at increased risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Case reports have led to concern regarding the use of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications in children with underlying CHD. We hypothesised that medical therapy for patients with CHD and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is safe. Methods: A single-centre, retrospective chart review was performed evaluating for adverse events in patients aged 4–21 years with CHD who received attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder therapy over a 5-year span. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of CHD and concomitant medical therapy with amphetamines, methylphenidate, or atomoxetine. Patients with trivial or spontaneously resolved CHD were excluded from analysis. Results: In 831 patients with CHD who received stimulants with a mean age of 12.9 years, there was only one adverse cardiovascular event identified. Using sensitivity analysis, our median follow-up time was 686 days and a prevalence rate of 0.21% of adverse events. This episode consisted of increased frequency of supraventricular tachycardia in a patient who had this condition prior to initiation of medical therapy; the condition improved with discontinuation of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder therapy. Conclusion: The incidence of significant adverse cardiovascular events in our population was similar to the prevalence of supraventricular tachycardia in the general population. Our single-centre experience demonstrated no increased risk in adverse events related to medical therapy for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and underlying CHD. Further population-based studies are indicated to validate these findings.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-268
Author(s):  
Narmada Devkota ◽  
Shishir Subba ◽  
Janardan Devkota ◽  
Jaya Regmee ◽  
Deepika Pokhrel

Background: There is no valid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnostic tool to fit Nepalese culture and language till date. Current study is intended to develop and validate the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder scale for children in Nepal.Methods: Mixed method study was conducted with 840 samples (i.e. children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder =356, Anxiety =128 and General Population=356).Items generation, scale development and scale evaluation were the three consecutive steps followed to develop and validate the scale.Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (already met the Diagnostic and statistical Manual-5 criteria) were further assessed by Kiddie-Schedule for Affective disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-PL), Child and Adolescent Symptoms Inventory (CASI-5) to confirm the diagnosis and psychometric validation. Pilot studies were done for items clarity. Each data obtained from three comparison groups (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , Anxiety and General Population) were included for standardization process where tests of dimensionality, reliability, validity,calculating norms (cut off) were doneas scale evaluation process.Results: The final version of the scale had 21 items. Three sub-scales (Inattention, Impulsivity and Hyperactivity) were identified by using Principal Axis Factor Analysis.All factors showed strong statistically significant convergent validity and Discriminant validity Cronbach’s alpha of each item is ? 0.91.As total score criteria, 38.5 is considered as the best cut-off point for this scale.Conclusions: By using systematic process, a valid and reliable Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnostic scale is being developed in Nepalese culture and language.Keywords: ADHD; development and validation; executive function.


1988 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 17-28
Author(s):  
Fred Gravestock

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of numerous explanations for ongoing behaviour disturbance in children both at home and school. With an incidence rate of between 5% and 10% in the general population, it accounts for a significant percentage of patients presented at child guidance facilities. It is a pervasive and chronic developmental disorder as apparent from its natural course. Treatment, while effective in the short-term, has limited impact on the long-term prospects for these children. Current research in multi-modal, long-term treatment is however producing more positive results. Presentation of research findings on the classroom behaviour of ADHD are followed by consideration of several methods for assessing the disorder. The paper concludes with a brief outline of the role teachers, guidance officers and school counsellors can play in this major childhood disorder.


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The estimated prevalence of ADHD in the general population is 7,2% in children, with persistence into adulthood of approximately 35%. [1,2] Although there is a lack of population studies, the postulated prevalence of ADHD in young athletes ranges from 4,2 to 8,1%, suggesting ADHD could be more common in athletes compared to the general population. [3] The reasons for a presumably higher prevalence of ADHD among athletes could be, among other things, that the influence of the sporting activity leads to better well-being of the potential patients and therefore becomes a central part of their lifestyle.


2017 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 115-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Stickley ◽  
Ai Koyanagi ◽  
Hidetoshi Takahashi ◽  
Vladislav Ruchkin ◽  
Yoko Kamio

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