600 EP104 – Identifying psychological triggers to prevent the incidence of red-s syndrome in athletes

Background The Relative Energy Deficiency in sports (RED-S) syndrome is a multifaceted condition affecting both male and female athletes. Characterized by low energy availability, its multisystemic impacts span across various systems, including cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic, and notably, mental health. The ramifications, including decreased bone density, menstrual irregularities, muscle wasting, cognitive issues, and reduced immunity, extend further into the psychological domain manifesting as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other detrimental mental health outcomes. Objective To discern the key psychological, personality traits, and environmental factors that heighten the risk of RED-S syndrome, leading either to insufficient nutritional intake or excessive exercise behaviors. Design Narrative review. Setting A global scope, focusing on professional athletes. Patients Athletes, especially from disciplines that emphasize aesthetics or belong to specific weight categories. Assessment of Risk Factors Reviewing the incidence of RED-S in relation to sports promoting lean physiques. Moreover, evaluating the roles of past mental health issues, societal pressures, aggressive training techniques, and other environmental stressors in the manifestation of RED-S. Main Outcome Measurements Mental health degradation signs, particularly as they relate to RED-S, and the delicate balance between conscientious training versus obsessive behaviors detrimental to health and performance. Results Sports emphasizing aesthetics or falling within particular weight categories can inadvertently encourage disorders related to eating. Psychological stresses, including a history of mental health issues, environmental pressures, harsh training environments, and societal expectations around thinness, necessitate vigilant screening. Early identification of harmful behaviors is vital. Conclusions By pinpointing and addressing psychological patterns and potentially damaging behaviors in athletes, the incidence of RED-S can be effectively curtailed. Implementing preventive measures within the healthcare system and training realms would be instrumental in minimizing both the syndrome's onset and subsequent treatment costs. There's an imperative need for research to explore cost-effective early interventions that account for psychological triggers.