Mental health in the pediatric athlete

Abstract

Sport participation directly impacts the mental health of young athletes. Physical activity and team culture are two features that shape the influence of sport on self-esteem and mental health. Children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and conduct disorder (CD) benefit when parents, coaches, and healthcare providers are knowledgeable on how to adapt the sporting experience to the needs of young athletes with mental illness.