9.1 ROLE OF ATHLETICS IN ADOLESCENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED OVER THE LAST YEAR

Abstract

This presentation will review the role of athletics in adolescents from a developmental perspective. Common stressors encountered by high school athletes will be discussed, including changes associated with the recent pandemic. Health concerns involving head injuries and associated mental health symptoms will be described. The presentation will conclude with the role of a child and adolescent psychiatrist working with athletes. Raymond Pan, MD, will discuss the impact of athletics in adolescents in the United States. Data regarding the number of participants, the economic impact, and the role of athletics in higher education will be reviewed. Typical adolescent development, including expansive learning, independence, and separation from caregivers, adventure, and connection to peers, associated with athletics will be discussed. Stressors involved in athletics including issues associated with recent events in 2020 and 2021, such as the disruption of competition during the pandemic and disproportional minority participation in revenue-generating sports, will be reviewed. Dr. Pan will spotlight anxiety surrounding risk of concussion in adolescent sports. The association of concussions with mood and anxiety symptoms and an integrated approach to treatment will be detailed. Longstanding risk from injury including chronic traumatic encephalopathy and suicide will be discussed. The role of a child and adolescent psychiatrist working with athletes will described as the 4 A’s (Awareness, Assessment, Assistance, and Action). Finally, ethical issues will be mentioned. Throughout the presentation, the audience will be engaged with questions, polls, and a case report. Participants will be able to: 1) discuss the role of athletics in the adolescent experience and normal development 2) recognize stressors involved with athletic participation including recent events in 2020 and 2021; 3) review the association of concussions with mood and anxiety symptoms; 4) discuss the role of child and adolescent psychiatrists working with athletes; and 5) explore ethical issues associated with the athletic population. This presentation will highlight specific issues involved in working with adolescent athletes including specific challenges in 2020 and 2021.