Screening for mental health conditions in athletes

Abstract

Mental health screening has shown promise and value in the athletic population. Screening tests for eating disorders, depression, and general anxiety disorder should be performed for identifying those athletes that might need support. Ideally, screening would take place on intake and following injury, and testing should be considered for depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, and alcohol and drug use in the appropriate context, particularly for at-risk athletes or for those athletes not following predictable recovery courses following injury.