title: Epidemiology of symptoms of common mental disorders among elite Gaelic athletes: a prospective cohort study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Scientific knowledge about symptoms of common mental disorders among elite Gaelic athletes is lacking. Consequently, this study aimed to (i) determine the prevalence, comorbidity and 6-month incidence of symptoms of common mental disorders (distress, anxiety/depression, sleep disturbance, adverse alcohol use) among elite Gaelic athletes and (ii) evaluate their association with potential stressors (severe musculoskeletal injuries, surgeries, recent life events, career dissatisfaction).
  
  
  METHODS
  An observational prospective cohort study by means of questionnaires was conducted over six months among elite Gaelic athletes (N=204). Using validated questionnaires to assess symptoms of common mental disorders as well as several stressors, an electronic questionnaire was set up and distributed by the Gaelic Players' Association.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence ranged from 23% for adverse alcohol use to 48% for anxiety/depression. Around 24% of the participants reported at baseline two symptoms. Six-month incidence ranged from 11% for sleep disturbance to 21% for anxiety/depression. Severe musculoskeletal injury, surgery, recent life events and career dissatisfaction led to an increased risk for common mental disorders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings indicate that raising the self-awareness of all stakeholders in Gaelic sports about common mental disorders should be prioritized, as well as the evidence-based development and application of adequate preventive and supportive measures.
authors.affiliation: a Academic Center for Evidence based Sports medicine (ACES) , Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.|b Amsterdam Collaboration on Health & Safety in Sports (ACHSS), Academic Medical Center , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.|c Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.|d World Players' Union (FIFPro), Players' Services , Hoofddorp , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gouttebarge
authors.affiliation: a Academic Center for Evidence based Sports medicine (ACES) , Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.|e Sports Physician Group , OLVG , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Johannes L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Tol
authors.affiliation: a Academic Center for Evidence based Sports medicine (ACES) , Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.|b Amsterdam Collaboration on Health & Safety in Sports (ACHSS), Academic Medical Center , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.|c Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Gino M M J
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Kerkhoffs
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D056352:Athletes; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D063189:Symptom Assessment; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Sports; adverse alcohol use; anxiety; depression; distress; sleep disturbance