Psychische Erkrankungen bei Leistungssportlern

Mental disorders in contrast to physical diseases still are rarely perceived in the field of competitive sports. These are e.g. affective disorders, addiction and eating disorders. The phenotypes of mental disorders in competitive sports can significantly differ from those in the general population or overlap with physiological reactions to exercise. Some sports are, partly gender dependent, associated with a special risk for the development of mental diseases. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines and pathways, especially under the involvement of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological methods are missing. In this review the evidence for mental disorders in competitive sport, including traumatologic aspects, is summarised and the need for further scientific research and the involvement of psychiatrists for the maintenance of athletes are proposed.