ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes a set of practical guidelines pertaining to prescribing psychiatric medication in different sport and performance contexts. It is intended to serve as a resource for clinical sport psychologists by drawing upon evidence-based research and experiences from numerous sport psychiatrists. It is not intended as a clinical practice guideline or legal standard of care. Emphasis will be placed on pharmacological recommendations within the major domains of mental health symptoms and disorders. Discussion of best practices must also highlight the availability of non-pharmacological approaches, which are often optimal for initial trials prior to utilizing pharmacologic alternatives. For athletes with moderate-to-severe mental health symptoms, however, a combination of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches will most likely prove to be most effective and may be necessary for resolution of symptoms. Each treatment strategy is accompanied by a rationale so that clinicians understand the considerations and decision-making processes that inform the recommendations provided.
