On Thin Ice: Competitive Sports & Youth Mental Health

Dr. Kamis quoted in the Psychiatric Times, the No. 1 psychiatric publication in the US.

Danielle Kamis, MD, the backup sports psychiatrist for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, urges observers to consider how substances can impact an athlete’s outlook, mood, and performance.

“Athletes train many hours, days, and years in order to perform at their peak at competition, which can last for only minutes at a time during their time to perform. There is no banned substance that is worthwhile to put all of this time, energy, and training all at risk,” Kamis told Psychiatric Times™. “If an athlete abuses a banned substance, the player now not only has to balance the stress of competition and training, but also the feelings of guilt and secrecy in hiding a substance that was abused.”

Read the full article here.