A D Macleod1. 1. Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, New Zealand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the literature on psychiatry for elite athletes. METHOD: Relevant literature was presented to the general psychiatrist. RESULTS: The prevalence of drug misuse, eating disorders and brain injury in elite and professional athletes is stressed. The uniquely troublesome adverse effects of psychopharmacology in this group of subjects is commented upon. CONCLUSIONS: Elite athletes may require competent and informed psychiatric opinion and management.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the literature on psychiatry for elite athletes. METHOD: Relevant literature was presented to the general psychiatrist. RESULTS: The prevalence of drug misuse, eating disorders and brain injury in elite and professional athletes is stressed. The uniquely troublesome adverse effects of psychopharmacology in this group of subjects is commented upon. CONCLUSIONS: Elite athletes may require competent and informed psychiatric opinion and management.