Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between personality, the serotonin transporter (5HTT) polymorphisms and the occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in elite athletes. 133 healthy participants completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). The mood states were assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. The athlete’s mental skills were assessed through the Sport Performance Psychological Inventory (IPPS-48). The occurrence of psychiatric and personality disorders was assessed using the Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders. A polymerase chain reaction was employed to identify genotypes at the 5HTTLPR polymorphism. The 5HTTLPR s/s genotype was associated with both neuroticism (p< 0.001) and tension/anxiety symptoms according to the POMS (p<0.02), cognitive anxiety and emotional arousal control according to the IPPS-48 (p<0.01). Significant correlations were proved between neuroticism and symptoms of anxiety and depression (p<0.05). Neuroticism mediates the association between the 5HTTLPR polymorphism and symptoms of cognitive anxiety and emotional arousal control (p<0.05). These results suggest a significant interaction between the 5HTTLPR polymorphism, neuroticism and sport related stress that predict adverse mental health outcomes in athletes. Identification of homogeneous groups of athletes having predispositions to anxiety and depressive symptoms may help to implement early prevention programs.
Highlights
Many studies investigating the relationship between sport participation and mental health have suggested that participation in sport is associated with psychological benefits includingPLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0156601 June 3, 2016Personality, 5HTT Polymorphisms, Anxiety and Depression in Elite Athletes higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression [1, 2]
We found a main effect of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on cognitive anxiety (χ2 (3) = 10.81, p = 0.01) and emotional arousal control (χ2 (3) = 8.358, p = 0.03) according the IPPS-48
These analyses indicated that the criteria proposed for mediation by Baron and Kenny [57] were met for a mediating influence of neuroticism on the association between 5-HTTLPR genotype and tension/anxiety, as measured with Profile of Mood States (POMS), and cognitive anxiety and emotional arousal control as measured with IPPS
Summary
Many studies investigating the relationship between sport participation and mental health have suggested that participation in sport is associated with psychological benefits includingPLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0156601 June 3, 2016Personality, 5HTT Polymorphisms, Anxiety and Depression in Elite Athletes higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression [1, 2]. Many studies investigating the relationship between sport participation and mental health have suggested that participation in sport is associated with psychological benefits including. A significant body of research has found evidence of mental health problems associated with sport participation as a result of sport-related significant stressors [3, 4]. A wide range of psychiatric disorders has been reported in the athletic population including depression, anxiety, disordered eating, bipolar disorders and substance abuse [5, 6]. The prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders has been reported as increasing in this population [7, 8, 9]. The mechanisms leading to both depression and anxiety disorders among athletes are mostly unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
