Eating psychopathology as a risk factor for depressive symptoms in a sample of British athletes

Abstract

Within the clinical literature it is accepted that there is a strong connection between eating disorders and depression; however the nature of the casual relationship is somewhat unclear. Therefore the aim of the present study was to determine the prospective relationship between eating psychopathology and depressive symptoms among competitive British athletes. A total of 122 athletes completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and the depression subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90R over a 6-month period. Partial correlations revealed that when controlling for baseline eating psychopathology, athletes' baseline depressive symptoms was not related to their eating psychopathology 6 months later. However, when controlling for baseline depressive symptoms, athletes' initial eating psychopathology was positively and significantly related to depressive symptoms 6 months later. Subsequent hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed athletes' initial levels of eating psychopathology significantly predicted depressive symptoms 6 months later. The current findings support the assertion that elevated eating psychopathology serves as a potential risk factor for the development of depression in athletes. Thus, National Governing Bodies, athletic clubs, sport organisations and universities need to recognise and be aware that exposure to the factors that increase the risk of eating disorders inadvertently serves to increase athletes' vulnerability for depression.

2016 update on eating disorders in athletes: A comprehensive narrative review with a focus on clinical assessment and management

“…Limited data exists regarding the relationship between eating disorders and comorbid mental health conditions in female and male athletes. A study in British athletes found a positive and significant relationship between eating psychopathology and risk of subsequent depressive symptoms 6 months later 35. Importantly, clinicians caring for an athlete with an eating disorder should consider and evaluate for other mental health conditions.…”

Assessment of disordered eating attitude and mental health among Indian Kho-Kho players

“…We have observed that perceived depression was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the group with a disordered eating attitude. Elevated eating psychopathology serves as a potential risk factor for the development of depression in athletes (Shanmugam et al, 2014). Athletes may be less likely to seek advice or treatment due to social stigma, sports specific barriers and accessibility (Flatt et al, 2021).…”

Programs on a Diet?: An Examination of Athletic Departments’ Eating Disorder Policies at NCAA Division I Universities

“…Additionally, the mental state of an athlete can be a risk factor for disordered eating. High anxiety, depression, and obsessive tendencies often accompany eating disorders (Lilenfeld et al, 1998;Shanmugam et al, 2014). Some personality traits that are beneficial to athletic success, such as adherence and perseverance, are also associated with disordered eating .…”

“…There also seems to be a relationship between the psychological state of an athlete and the prevalence of disordered eating. Athletes who are depressed are more likely to develop disordered eating than those who are not depressed, and athletes who engage in disordered eating are more likely to develop depression than those with healthy eating behaviors (Shanmugam, Jowett, & Meyer, 2014). Athletes may find themselves in a cycle in which negative feelings elicit negative behaviors, which further elicits negative feelings, and so on.…”