Prevalence and Type of Psychopathology in Ultra Endurance Athletes

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and type of mental health disorders present in a population of ultra endurance athletes. Historically, most formal research into this population has centered on physiological implications of participation, but not on the psychological implications. 523 endurance athletes, between the ages of 19 and 73, participated in a general mental health survey to ascertain any prior diagnosis and answered a full Patient Health Questionnaire, as well as the Eating Attitudes Test. Participants were recruited through numerous online endurance athlete communities, clubs, and podcasts. The study hypothesized that there would be a greater incidence of mental disorder whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, in the population of ultra endurance athletes versus the general population in the United States. This research study found that there is a greater prevalence of mental disorder in this population as a whole, and a positive correlation between incidence of mental disorder and volume of training per week. Anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse were found to be the most prevalent, though there is evidence of a wide variety of psychopathology in the population including, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Given the scarcity of available research on mental disorder in ultra endurance athletes, this study aims to bridge the current lack of information and provide evidence that there is a need for support and guidance surrounding the recognition and management of mental health concerns in this population.