His own ADHD went undiagnosed until 2002, yet he dismissed the diagnosis and possible treatment. Meanwhile, he languished in the minors.

Shortly after he began treatment, he joined the Giants, the Giants won the World Series, and well, it’s one more case of why I feel no one should be denied the facts about — or access to– effective treatment for ADHD. When it’s necessary, it can mean all the difference in translating innate talents and hard work into sustained success.

Gina

Thanks for visiting. Perhaps I addressed your point in my other ADHD Roller Coaster blog post referenced:

“One comprehensive survey concluded that about 4.4 percent of the U.S. adult population age 18-44 has ADHD. But that’s a very conservative estimate. Many researchers suspect the true adult population with ADHD lies closer to 10 percent—and possibly as high as 16.4 percent. It all depends on how broadly the diagnostic criteria are applied.

“In fact, some people speculate that ADHD, particularly the hyperactive subtype, is over-represented in sports such as baseball. So, this 8 percent figure might actually represent under-diagnosis.”

Also, I know several professional athletes with ADHD who’ve told me they felt they had little choice in careers; their undetected ADHD meant they didn’t do well in school. This lack of diagnosis can particularly be a problem when they leave the sport, either due to injury or age. When they can’t make a go of things in other areas, people often misattribute their problems to their missing the sport.

Not to mention that people with ADHD tend to experience reduced symptoms after physical exercise.