Understanding Psychiatric Emergencies in Athletic Settings

BOC Domains of Athletic Training: Domain I - Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion Domain II - Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis Domain Ill - Critical Incident Management Presentation Description:  This comprehensive presentation aims to bridge the gap in knowledge and preparedness among athletic trainers in managing psychiatric emergencies. The session will delve into the physical and psychological triggers that can lead to behavioral crises, common psychiatric emergencies, and potential violence-related issues in athletes. Additionally, it will provide a systematic approach to quickly assess athletes in psychiatric crisis and discuss principles for effective interaction and treatment. Learning Objectives: Discuss and analyze the physical and psychological triggers for behavioral emergencies. Explore common psychiatric emergencies in athletic environments. Identify potential violence-related psychiatric emergencies in athletes. Clinical Practice Gap Statement:  Athletic trainers may be well-versed in physical injuries but often find themselves inadequately prepared for psychiatric emergencies in sports settings. This can result in sub-optimal care or exacerbate the psychological crisis facing an athlete. The growing incidence of mental health concerns in athletes makes it imperative to close this educational gap, ensuring that athletic trainers are capable of both identifying and managing psychiatric emergencies efficiently. Clinical Bottom Line Statement:  Being proficient in identifying and responding to psychiatric emergencies is an essential part of an athletic trainer's skill set. This expertise goes beyond mere recognition—it involves a deep understanding of triggers, rapid assessment techniques, and the implementation of effective, athlete-focused interventions. In doing so, athletic trainers not only contribute to the immediate well-being of athletes but also to their long-term psychological health. Summary Conclusion Statements: Mastery in identifying both physical and psychological triggers is foundational for effective management of psychiatric emergencies. Becoming familiar with the spectrum of psychiatric emergencies specific to athletic settings enables more nuanced care. Prompt recognition and assessment of potential violent behaviors are vital for ensuring athlete safety and implementing crisis interventions. Emphasizing compassionate interaction approaches leads to more effective and athlete-centric psychiatric care.

Timothy Neal is a certified athletic trainer and National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Hall of Fame member. Presently, Mr. Neal is the director of athletic training program and assistant professor at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Mr. Neal spent 35 years as a clinical athletic trainer and adjunct professor at Syracuse University, from 1979-2014. Mr. Neal has chaired two NATA sponsored Inter-Association Consensus Statement on psychological concerns in student-athletes, the first one on intercollegiate athletes in 2013, followed by another Statement in 2015 for interscholastic athletes. Mr. Neal also served on the writing group for the 2014 NATA Position Statement on Pre-Participation Physical Examinations and Medically Disqualifying Conditions, authoring sections on cardiac conditions, mental health, and medical clearance considerations. Tim has authored or revised two chapters in the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook (catastrophic incident planning, student-athlete mental health). Tim has served as NATA selected reviewer for endorsement of NCAA best practices in student-athlete mental health, and cardiovascular care of collegiate student-athletes. In 2018, Mr. Neal co-authored a year-long series of articles published monthly in the NATA News on legal, ethical, and regulatory issues facing athletic trainers. Mr. Neal is a member of the NCAA task forces on student-athlete mental health and wellness, sleep and wellness, and served on the 2010 panel on managing concussions in student-athletes. Mr. Neal is the NATA liaison to Mental Health America, and a member of the expert advisory board of the Jed Foundation. Mr. Neal was the chair of the NATA Committee on Professional Ethics from 2015-2019, and authored the updated NATA Code of Ethics in 2016.  Mr. Neal is certified in critical incident stress management by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), and is an approved ICISF instructor in CISM. Mr. Neal is a founding member of the NATA ATs Care committee. Mr. Neal was an original member of the NATA Professional Responsibility in Athletic Training committee. Mr. Neal is also on the editorial board of the NATA Athletic Training Education Journal. Mr. Neal has authored dozens of articles in peer and non-peer reviewed journals, and has presented to numerous audiences on various sports medicine, mental health, ethical, and risk management topics. Mr. Neal earned his Master’s degree at Syracuse University, and his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. Mr. Neal is a member of the Ohio University Alumni Association Board of Directors. Currently, Mr. Neal is finishing his Master’s degree in social work at Ohio University in December 2023 to become a credentialed mental health provider.

Action Medicine Consultants, LLC (BOC AP#: P12095) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of 0.75 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. GENERAL DISCLAIMER: It is the responsibility of the participant, relying on the independent expertise and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best treatment and method of application for the patient. Participants must use discretion when using the information contained within this presentation.  The presenter has provided the following regarding disclaimers: The information and content provided in this course are for informational purposes only. The presenter nor Action Medicine Consultants, LLC bears no liability for your use of this information and content. The views expressed in this course are those of the presenter(s). CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all presenters must disclose any financial or other associations with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or product(s) under investigational use.  This presentation does not involve the unlabeled use of a product or product under investigational use.  During the presentation, the presenter provides disclosure of any relevant financial relationships or other associations.  Refund Policy:  Live (virtual or in-person) Courses - Full refunds (Minus 10% for handling fees) are given after completion of the course if cancellation request is received 14 days prior to the course date. No refunds will be given after this deadline, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course. This also applies to virtual courses if a technical issue occurred on the presenter side that prevented a full presentation from being performed. On-Demand Courses - No refunds will be given, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course if there is a technical issue in Action Medicine Consultant's delivery of the course and in which no certificate of completion was issued.