title: The prevalence of failure-based depression among elite athletes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the prevalence of diagnosed failure-based depression and self-reported symptoms of depression within a sample of elite swimmers competing for positions on Canadian Olympic and World Championship teams.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Assessments were conducted after the conclusion of the qualifying swimming trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample consisted of 50 varsity swimmers (28 men and 22 women) based at 2 Canadian universities who were competing to represent Canada internationally.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diagnosed depression was assessed using a semistructured interview, and symptoms of depression were also assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory II. Performance was measured by changes in swimming time and athlete ranking.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Before competition, 68% of athletes met criteria for a major depressive episode. More female athletes experienced depression than their male peers (P = 0.01). After the competition, 34% of athletes met diagnostic criteria and 26% self-reported mild to moderate symptoms of depression. The prevalence of depression doubled among the elite top 25% of athletes assessed. Within this group, performance failure was significantly associated with depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that the prevalence of depression among elite athletes is higher than what has been previously reported in the literature. Being ranked among the very elite athletes is related to an increase in susceptibility to depression, particularly in relation to a failed performance. Given these findings, it is important to consider the mental health of athletes and have appropriate support services in place.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hammond
authors.forename: Christie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gialloreto
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kubas
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hap Davis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013550:Swimming / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult