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[Depressive states in sports]
R García Alonso1, E López Vega
1Departamento de Promoción de Salud de la Escuela Nacional de Sanidad.
Revista De Sanidad E Higiene Publica
|March 1, 1994
Summary
High-level athletes show a significantly higher prevalence of depression, with 25% experiencing depressive status compared to 2% in the general university population. This highlights a potential link between elite sports and mental health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Study conducted at the Sportive Medical Evaluation Center, Complutense University, Madrid.
- Focus on assessing depression prevalence in professional athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression in professional male and female athletes.
- To compare depression rates between elite athletes and a university student reference group.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Tetradimensional structured Test for depression for psychometric evaluation.
- Compared two groups: 52 high-competition athletes (men and women) and 50 university students.
Main Results:
- A 25% prevalence of depression was found in the high-competition athlete group.
- The reference group of university students showed a 2% prevalence of depression.
- The difference in prevalence was statistically significant (p = 0.00079).
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a strong association between practicing high-level sports and the occurrence of depressive status.
- Highlights the need for mental health support in elite athletic populations.