Brandon- How does sports-related anxiety differ from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or performance anxiety in other fields?

 

Dr Paul Mitrani-

 

Sports-related anxiety is more of a specific phobia related to athletic performance/competitive sports and pressure to do well (for personal reward, for the team, to please coaches/fans/parents, etc.). The focus is specifically on the sport/activity and very similar to performance anxiety in other situations (presentations/speaking in front of an audience; theater/music). GAD is anxiety about things in general and a pattern of anxiety that interferes with multiple things and is more pervasive in daily life (not limited to a single/specific activity). 

 

 

Brandon- What are the most common physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms of sports anxiety in athletes?

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Dr Paul Mitrani- 

 

Physical = Tachycardia, shortness of breath/tachypnea, shakiness, sweating, muscle tension, upset stomach, dizziness/lightheadedness, feeling exhausted.

Cognitive = fears of failure, self-doubt/indecisiveness, trouble concentrating/focusing, spiraling thoughts (overthinking).

Emotional = feelings of dread/impending doom, nervousness, apprehension, insecurity, shame, guilt, sadness, irritability.

 

Brandon- Can sports anxiety affect an athlete’s physical performance, such as coordination, reaction time, or endurance?

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Dr Paul Mitrani-

 

Yes, anxiety can impair concentration/focus, coordination, reaction time, stamina.

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Brandon-

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Can negative past experiences, such as injuries or losses, contribute to persistent sports-related anxiety?

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Dr Paul Mitrani-

Yes, past experiences can exacerbate anxiety and subsequent performance. Out brains learn from experience and the more focus we put on positive or negative experiences can impact future performance.

 

Brandon- Are certain personality traits (e.g., neuroticism, high sensitivity to stress) linked to a greater likelihood of experiencing sports anxiety?

Dr Paul Mitrani-

Anxiety in general increases the risk of other anxiety disorders. Anxiety is also normal, as part of our survival instinct, and some people's anxiety system is more sensitive than others and that sensitivity can also vary in different situations (i.e., playing in a championship game vs. a scrimmage). When people are more sensitive/reactive to pressure or things being uncertain/out of their control, they are more likely to feel anxiety in stressful situations, including sports performance. This is also related to the brain's response to stress (i.e., avoiding stress or wanting to be in control in different situations). Neuroticism is associated with increased risk of anxiety/sports-anxiety due to increased emotional lability, sensitivity to stress and/or more intense reactions to negative experiences/perceptions.