Why the study?
The consensus was developed to advance a more standardised, evidence-based approach to mental health in elite athletes.
Systematic Review
This IOC consensus statement provides evidence-based recommendations for the screening, monitoring, and management of mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes.
Captured external expert commentary on this paper, strongest first. Original sources are linked where available.
“For international federations and national governing bodies, this second IOC consensus statement demands decisive action. Mental health must be embedded as a core element of governance, safeguarding, and high-performance systems, and not treated as an adjunct to medical care or athlete resilience.”
“The responsibility for prevention, recognition, and management of mental health symptoms and disorders and for promoting wellbeing extends across the entire elite sport ecosystem.”
“While recognition of overt mental health disorders in elite athletes remains essential, situating athlete wellbeing within a dynamic continuum offers an additional framework for understanding the spectrum of psychological functioning in this population.”
Prompts routine mental health screening in elite athletes; extends consensus to sport-specific etiologies and performance impacts.
To advance a more standardised, evidence-based approach to mental health in elite athletes, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Consensus Group critically evaluated the current science via a systematic literature review, sought consensus using Delphi methodology and provided recommendations relevant to this topic. Key themes include that mental health symptoms and disorders are (1) common among elite athletes; (2) may have sport-related aetiologies and manifestations; and (3) can impact performance. Routine screening for and monitoring of mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes using validated instruments is recommended. Management strategies should promote mental well-being in addition to preventing and treating mental health symptoms and disorders. These strategies should address all contributors to mental health symptoms, including factors within the environments in which athletes train and compete. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication and other culturally or contextually appropriate modalities. With appropriate support and treatment, many athletes experiencing mental health symptoms and disorders can continue to train and compete safely, but sometimes modification of sport participation may be necessary. Elite athletes who are transitioning out of sport, elite Para athletes and elite young (adolescent) athletes are relatively understudied and may have distinct mental health concerns, in addition to those impacting elite athletes in general.
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Reardon et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Mental health in elite athletes. Mental health screening and management was evaluated. Mental health symptoms are common among elite athletes and can impact performance, prompting consensus recommendations for routine screening and comprehensive management strategies.
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