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Is it Possible for Individuals with Pre-Existing Mental Disorders to Perform Mountain Sports at High Altitude-First
Claudia Gstir1,2, Timo Schurr3, Roxana Ehlers1
1Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital for Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Individuals with mental disorders reported improved mental health during high-altitude mountain sports. However, they less frequently informed others about their conditions, highlighting the need to reduce stigma in the mountain sports community.
Area of Science:
- Altitude Medicine
- Sports Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Mountain sports at high altitude (HA) are increasingly popular.
- Little is known about the impact of HA mountain sports on mental health.
- Mental disorders are prevalent, necessitating research into their interaction with extreme environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high-altitude mountain sports on individuals with pre-existing mental disorders.
- To compare symptom changes in individuals with and without mental or somatic disorders during HA activities.
- To assess communication practices regarding mental health status among participants in HA mountain sports.
Main Methods:
- A pilot, cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted.
- Online self-report surveys assessed mental and somatic disorders and symptom changes.
- Data from 251 individuals without disorders, 34 with somatic disorders, and 38 with mental disorders were analyzed using nonparametric tests.
Main Results:
- 44.7% of individuals with mental disorders reported ameliorated symptoms during HA mountain sports, compared to 14.7% with somatic disorders.
- Individuals with mental disorders significantly less frequently informed tour partners (41.9% vs. 90.9%) or consulted physicians (2.6% vs. 26.5%) about their plans.
- Mental symptoms were reported by 14.5% at 2,500-3,500 m, 23.5% at >3,500-5,500 m, and 31.8% above 5,500 m ASL.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with mental disorders may experience improved mental health during HA mountain sports, potentially due to physical activity, the alpine environment, and moderate hypoxia.
- The low rate of informing tour partners and physicians underscores the need to reduce mental disorder stigma within the mountain sports community.
- Further research is warranted to understand the complex interplay between mental health, high-altitude exposure, and mountain sports participation.
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