A literature search on mental health emergencies in athletes yielded only 5 papers, none of which addressed elite athletes, indicating that responses should be based on general non-sporting guidelines.
How should mental health emergencies be managed in elite athletes?
Due to a lack of specific evidence for elite athletes, sports organizations should rely on general non-sporting guidelines for managing mental health emergencies.
Mental health emergencies require a rapid, effective response. We searched the literature on mental health emergencies in athletes and found five papers. None of these addressed elite athletes. Nonetheless, common mental health emergencies may present in the sports environment and may place the athlete and others at risk. Sports teams and organisations should anticipate which emergencies are likely and how medical and support staff can best respond. Responses should be based on general non-sporting guidelines. We stress the importance of clinicians following standard procedures.
Currie et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Mental health emergencies. General non-sporting guidelines was evaluated. A literature search on mental health emergencies in athletes yielded only 5 papers, none of which addressed elite athletes, indicating that responses should be based on general non-sporting guidelines.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: