Psychiatric Comorbidities in Sports

Athletes are not immune to mental illness, despite outward appearances of strength and wellness. Depression and anxiety disorders may occur in athletes at least as commonly as in the general population. Eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and substance use disorders may occur even more frequently in athletes than in the general population. Thus, it is imperative that medical professionals across all specialties are aware of these psychiatric comorbidities, and how to initiate evaluation for and treatment of them.