Nascar and ADHD
ByNascar driver Jeremy Mayfield has shared that he has ADHD, and takes the medication Adderall for it.
This disclosure has come in a ’roundabout’ way. This relates to the reports that Mr. Mayfield was suspended from driving due to finding amphetamines in his urine during a random urine drug screen. Mr. Mayfield has explained that he takes Adderall medication for ADHD, as well as Claritin D. This issue is before the courts. You can read the news updates here.
While Mr. Mayfield is going through a rough time right now, I am happy to hear that he has openly disclosed his diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to advocacy and support for the many kids diagnosed with ADD or ADHD each year.
I do wonder how many of the Nascar drivers have ADD or ADHD?
Although there is research which shows that people with untreated ADHD are at risk of more accidents while driving, my clinical experience in ADHD suggests that people with ADHD often excel at ‘extreme sports’. Whereas driving to the store at 40 miles per hour may be boring, driving on a Nascar track at speeds in excess of 200 mph can be exciting and can command one’s attention. And as Mr. Mayfield explains – he is taking an ADHD medication while driving.
I do hope that things work out well for Mr. Mayfield, and that he uses this situation as a springboard for advocacy for ADD/ADHD. I hope that he can be a role model for the thousands of boys (And girls!) diagnosed with ADD and ADHD each year.
What are your thoughts and experiences? Please share them below.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
9 Comments
June 4th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Thank God someone is finally listening. As a fan of NASCAR for the last 20 years that has ADD I was appalled that this driver was suspended for using and ADHD drug!
I too hope that this case can be used to promote people seeking treatment for ADHD and those that have been diagnosed to keep taking their meds on a regular basis.
To answer the good doctors question…I can name with utmost certainty at least 6 drivers that are in the race cars today have ADD or ADHD! I would love to share them privately with the doctor.
June 4th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I have long held that people with ADD and ADHD, a condition closely related to many addictive disorders, are probably also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors that are more socially acceptable, like X sports.
Great post!
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:35 am
A couple of questions:
1) Would this be considered a “performance enhancing” medication in NASCAR? Other sports?
2) The lawsuit is messy and the testing lab did both the “A” and “B” samples.
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 am
My opinion is that ADHD medications are not performance enhancing if you don’t have ADHD. They may increase alertness, and may cause insomnia (so that people can stay awake longer), but the biggest impact on the concentration comes from people who have ADHD.
I don’t really have real facts as to what was found on the testing, so I can’t really do more than report what was reported in the press.
I was excited to see that he has come forward with his ADHD (even if it wasn’t completely intentional).
Best,
Dr. Kenny
July 1st, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I would LOVE to know the answer! My son has ADHD and he is rising up the ranks in racing. I always wondered if the ADHD helped him – might his brain be processing what’s going on at higher speeds quicker than the non-ADHD person?
August 7th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Leigh Ann – your son’s brain is stimulated by racing.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
CR – what do you mean?
August 14th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I guess what I’m pondering is, does the ADHD make him a better racer than others?
September 5th, 2009 at 1:47 am
I had an accident, my fault, at 2-3 mph. I was tired of waiting in the line at the post office. When I was driving home all the cars stopped at the light, including me. When the guy moved up a bit I did too but when he stopped I didn’t.