Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Study of an Elite Rifle Shooter

Abstract

While posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most commonly associated with survivors of traumatic events (e.g., combat), PTSD can occur after any situation in which victims perceive that their life or safety is threatened. In sport, athletes often place themselves in dangerous situations and are also exposed to the same lifestyle dangers as the general population. The literature on PTSD among athletes is sparse, and consequently, it is possible that many (non-clinical) sport psychologists would fail to recognize the symptoms and may subsequently fail to refer the athlete to the appropriate professional for clinical assistance. In the following case study, we present an example of an athlete suffering from PTSD following a serious bicycle accident in which she sustained head and facial injuries. We briefly detail the nature of PTSD and discuss how sport psychology services can be implemented alongside a parallel clinical intervention program. Finally, we offer recommendations for practice when working with athletes with PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related mental disorders in elite athletes: a narrative review

“…The DSM-5 broadened the criteria for stressors that may lead to trauma-related symptoms. Events that subjectively place a person in a life-disrupting circumstance may also lead to PTSD 8. Injury during participation in sport occurs commonly and may serve as an inciting traumatic event.…”

“…However, data specific to athletes suggest that team-based approaches may support individuals directly and indirectly affected by trauma. Coordination with an experienced mental health professional and careful debriefing of traumatic events may provide benefit 8. Team-based approaches support members who are affected by vicarious trauma and provide an outlet for them to express their experience of distress 18.…”

“It’s psychology Jim, but not as we know it!”: The changing face of applied sport psychology.

“…Therefore, although some scholars may advocate engagement in practices that may be conducive toward the attainment of clinical competencies, others urge caution. For example, Shearer, Mellalieu, and Shearer (2011) suggested that although knowledge of clinical disorders may be advantageous in the treatment of subclinical performance issues experienced by athletes with psychological disorders, the actual treatment of clinical issues should be the responsibility of those who have been sufficiently trained (i.e., clinical psychologists). Nevertheless, the authors acknowledge that collaboration between sport and clinical psychologists may be a key toward facilitating the highest levels of client support.…”

How Should We Measure Psychological Resilience in Sport Performers?

“…Measures based on this premise are most commonly employed MEASURING PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE IN ATHLETES 13 with individuals at high risk for serious psychopathology, such as military personnel (see e.g., Schaubroeck, Riolli, Peng, & Spain, 2011). Although sport performers are unlikely to encounter many incidents associated with a high probability of mental distress, there are a number of instances where athletes may be at-risk of maladaptive behaviors (Shearer et al, 2011). For example, it would be pertinent for sport psychology researchers to utilize this measurement strategy when investigating resilience in young athletes who have a family history of major psychiatric disorders (cf.…”

“…In an athletic context, examples include performance slumps (see, e.g., Grove & Stoll, 1998), career transitions (see Wylleman, Alfermann, & Lavallee, 2004), choking under pressure (see Hill, Hanton, Matthews, & Fleming, 2010), serious injuries (see e.g, Shearer, Mellalieu, & Shearer, 2011), disordered eating (see e.g., Papathomas & Lavallee, 2012), and emotional abuse (see e.g., Stirling & Kerr, 2008). As noted by Richters and Weintraub (1990), the main psychometric issue when considering such distal risk factors (i.e., factors that have a remote causal influence on a specific outcome), is that individuals demonstrating positive adaptation may actually be facing low proximal risks (i.e., risks that represent an immediate vulnerability).…”