ABSTRACT
The focus of enhancing sports performance through the mental training of athletes, consultants also have an even more important responsibility and obligation to serve as a starting point for screening, referrals, and treatment for the overall mental health of athletes regardless of their education, training, or experience. Consultants with a thorough understanding of the difference between performance and clinical anxiety will feel more comfortable knowing when to provide appropriate mental training and when to refer athletes for mental health evaluation and treatment. Similar to non-athlete populations, several studies found a variety of factors associated with increased depression levels. As part of their intake protocol, consultants should include questions about any family history of depression; past experience of, diagnosis, or treatment of depression; and athletes’ status relative to depression. The most common treatments for depression are psychotropic medication and psychotherapy. Treatment for eating disorders can be challenging for other reasons as well.
