The ISSP Symposium at the APA will be on Monday, May 5, 2008 in the DC Convention Center from 2-5 PM. 

At this year's APA in Washington DC, the ISSP will present a symposium "Psychopharmacology in the Athlete"--Symposium #13 Monday 5 May 2008 Room 147B, Convention Center Chaired by Antonia Baum, MD (VP of the ISSP), there will be 3 athletes and 3 sports psychiatrists presenting:

1. Dr. Doug Geenens will talk about the use of antipsychotics in the athlete; his athlete presenter will be Jim Daniel, and ex MLB pitcher with a 20 yr psychiatric history.

2. Dr. David Conant-Norville will present on the use of psychostimulants in the athlete with ADHD; his athlete presenter will be former Boston College and NFL offensive lineman Darnell Alford.

3. Dr. Antonia Baum will talk about the use of lithium in the athlete; her athlete presenter will be an Ironwoman and former Division I champion field hockey player.

International Society for Sports Psychiatry Discusses Impact of Steroids on Mental Health

 Atlanta, Ga. – Today the International Society for Sport Psychiatry (ISSP) announced at their scientific meeting a recommendation that anabolic steroids be banned from all sports for the following reasons:

1) evidence that anabolic steroid use negatively impacts mental and general health. The International Society for Sport Psychiatry emphasizes the importance of participation in sports for improved mental and general health. 

2)      The use of anabolic steroids runs counter to the character building qualities that sport ideally helps promote:  sportsmanship, fairness, integrity and respect for oneself and others.

3)      Anabolic steroid use among college and professional athletes has a significant impact on our youth.  Children idolize athletes and aspire to be like their heroes.  If their heroes are using steroids, youth will follow.

 The ISSP also recommends that sport leagues implement policies to provide access to treatment for those athletes who may find it difficult to discontinue anabolic steroids, or for those who suffer with symptoms of a mental illness (depression, mania, or anxiety) brought on or made worse by steroid use or its discontinuation.

 The ISSP is embarking on a year-long effort in local communities to educate young athletes, their families, and coaches on the dangers of steroid use.

 A quote from the meeting: “Being a great athlete is about making the right decision in the face of pressure.  Choosing not to use steroids is a great, life-affirming decision.  Deciding to use steroids is a dangerous, unfair, reckless choice, and it is caving into pressure.” – Ronald Kamm, MD

The ISSP is an organization that applies the science and practice of psychiatry to the world of sports. Sport Psychiatrists use the biopsychosocial model in their work with athletes and teams. The ISSP was founded 12 years ago and has over 125 members in various countries around the world. Members are in both academic and private practice settings.

www:The ISSP.com