GAA players more susceptible to mental illness

GAA inter-county players are significantly susceptible to common mental disorders (CMD), an international study has revealed.

Findings from a representative sample of the sport’s elite footballers and hurlers showed a high incidence of CMD symptoms. A total of 48% of respondents were found to suffer from anxiety/depression, while 23% were deemed to be using alcohol adversely. Over 38% were discovered to have experienced distress and 33% sleep disturbance.

It was discovered the percentage of players with the alcohol symptoms was 4%-14% higher than among professional footballers.