pharmacology – SEMS-journal

neurology pharmacology sleep stress

Use of psychotropic substances in elite sports

lite athletes may use psychotropic substances for recreational reasons, (perceived) performance enhancement or self-medication. Causes can hereby overlap. In substance use, recreational consumption aiming primarily at psychotropic effects is distinguished from performance-enhancing use (doping).

antidoping depression pharmacology

Psychopharmacological Treatment in Athletes

Pharmacological interventions play a substantial role in the treatment of psychological complaints. However, while psychosocial and psychotherapeutic strategies are preferred for the treatment of mild to moderately severe symptoms, the use of drugs is often indicated for severe clinical manifestations [1,2].

Mental health stress neurology pharmacology

ADHD in Athletes

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The estimated prevalence of ADHD in the general population is 7,2% in children, with persistence into adulthood of approximately 35%. [1,2]

sports medicine pain pharmacology

A sensible approach to the use of NSAIDs in sports medicine

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have the highest intake of all medication in elite and non-elite athletes. The high consumption by athletes (30–50%) participating in team and single-sports leads to the assumption that not only injuries are being treated, but that masking symptoms of minor complaints or post-exercise fatigue might be the primary indication for their intake, without considering their potential harmful side-effects on general health but also on training adaptive processes.

sports medicine pharmacology sports nutrition supplements

Supplement use in Swiss wheelchair athletes

Supplement use in able-bodied athletes during major championships was reported to be around 80 to 90%. In contrast, the prevalence of supplement use in Paralympic athletes according to surveys from 2004 and 2012 was lower with around 40 to 58%. This study aimed to investigate the supplement use in Swiss wheelchair athletes. All Swiss wheelchair athletes were asked to complete a retrospective survey on supplement use during training and competition.

antidoping elite sports sports medicine pharmacology sports science monitoring

Challenges with the biological passport: from sampling to interpretation

In 2008, the World Anti-Doping Agency officially launched the biological passport. The first validated module to operate was the blood module to fight erythropoietin (EPO) and blood transfusion abuse. It has been quite efficient to catch some doped athletes, but above all, was very good in reducing the prevalence of doping. It is unclear if athletes stopped doping or have adapted and are taking micro doses of EPO or transfusing small blood volumes. More recently, the steroid module was released, but until now, the number of urine adverse passport cases is very low.