Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
The Relationship Between Prior Concussions and Depression Is Modified by Somatic Symptomatology in Retired NFL
Benjamin L Brett1, Nishit Mummareddy1, Andrew W Kuhn1
1From Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville (BLB, NM, AWK, AMY-K, SLZ); the Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (BLB); the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (BLB); and the Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville (AMY-K, SLZ).
Abstract:
A positive relationship between sport-related concussion (SRC) history and depressive symptoms in retired National Football League (NFL) athletes has been observed, with self-rated physical functioning identified as a confounding factor. The authors examined the influence of somatic symptom endorsement on the relationship between SRC history and self-reported depressive symptom severity in retired NFL athletes. Forty-three former NFL athletes completed self-report inventories of depression (with the Beck Depression Inventory II) and somatic symptoms (with the adjusted Patient Health Questionnaire-15). A moderation analysis examined the influence of somatic symptoms on the relationship between SRC history and depressive symptom severity. SRC history and somatic symptoms accounted for a significant amount of depressive symptomology. SRC history was not significantly associated with depressive symptom severity at low levels of somatic symptoms but was significant at the mean and high levels. The effect of somatic symptoms on depressive symptoms was nearly twice that of SRC history. The relationship between SRC and depression is complex, and treatment of depression in retired athletes should address comorbid somatic symptoms.
More Related Videos
10:31A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
05:48Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Depression
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Relationship Formation
Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the vapor pressure of a solution is lowered due to the presence of nonvolatile solutes, it stands to reason that the solution’s boiling point will subsequently be increased. Vapor pressure increases with temperature, and so a solution will require a higher temperature than will pure solvent to achieve any given vapor pressure, including one...
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Ending Relationships