Role of the Psychiatrist in Sports Concussion

Over the past decade, brain impacts sustained by athletes resulting in concussion has become the most discussed sports injury. This has led to numerous rule changes, equipment development to better protect athletes, and changes in how contact sports are coached and played. The appreciation that sports concussion is not limited to professional contact sports like football, boxing, and ice hockey has resulted in a broader understanding of the role of repetitive brain impact in many other sports played at all levels of competition and at all ages. The term “being in the concussion protocol” has become a recognized term for players and fans alike. Concussion education is currently required in virtually all levels of sport for coaches and trainers, with many leagues and sports federations requiring athlete education as well. This is a significant step in the right direction, but much is yet to be learned. To date, despite progress being made through innovative research and significant investment of resources, there is no cure for concussion, only strategies for treatment of symptoms. Prevention, adhering to established return-to-play criteria, and close clinical monitoring post-injury remain the most effective interventions. Many of the post-acute symptoms of sports concussion present as emotional and cognitive behavioral complaints. The goal of this article is to present an overview of sports concussion for clinical psychiatrists and to emphasize the need to consider brain impact when evaluating and treating athletes with mental health issues. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(11):e313–e316.]