The researchers based their study on Sweden’s two highest hockey divisions for men — the SHL and Hockeyallsvenskan, and the women’s top league, SDHL. A total of 648 players, 180 of them women, completed the researchers’ online questionnaire. The focus of the questions was on alcohol consumption, mental health, and concussion history.

Long-Term Consequences of Concussions on Mental Health

According to Mitchell Andersson, a doctoral student in psychiatry at Lund University, the study aimed to investigate more long-term consequences for Swedish top players, specifically six months or more after a concussion. The responses from the players provided important insights into the links between concussion and mental health effects.

Lund University researchers found that male hockey players had significantly fewer symptoms of depression/anxiety and burnout compared to other men in elite sports or the wider Swedish male workforce. However, 30% of male hockey players reported at-risk levels of alcohol consumption, a much higher rate than the comparison groups.

For female hockey players, the prevalence of depression/anxiety symptoms was similar to the average Swedish woman, but burnout was significantly more common. Over 19% of female players reported clinical symptoms of burnout, almost double the rate among Swedish women on average. Additionally, 36.4% of female players reported at-risk levels of alcohol consumption.

Effects of Concussions on Mental Health

Both female and male hockey players who reported more concussions were more likely to report elevations in various psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The correlation between concussions and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and burnout was equally strong for both sexes. This suggests that the long-term neuropsychiatric recovery process may be more similar in men and women than initially thought.

One interesting finding was that even without a history of concussion, a high proportion of female players reported burnout symptoms. This might be due to the unique challenges female athletes face, such as lower salaries, the need to balance hockey with other obligations, and the stress of late-night matches far from home.

Alcohol Consumption Among Elite Players

A key area of concern highlighted by the study was the high level of alcohol consumption among elite hockey players. Andersson speculates that the players may perceive themselves as tougher than others, leading to a culture of pride in excessive drinking. This romanticizing of alcohol could contribute to the high rates of at-risk consumption among both male and female players.

The study suggests that male players may underreport mental health issues due to the perceived need to maintain a tough image. Female players, on the other hand, may face additional stressors that contribute to burnout symptoms, even without experiencing concussions.

Seeking Help for Elite Athletes

Andersson emphasizes the importance of elite hockey players knowing where to seek help for mental health issues. Despite their successes in the sport, many players may still struggle with their mental well-being. Providing support tailored to this target group can help prevent feelings of isolation and fear among elite athletes.

Overall, the study sheds light on the complex interplay between concussions, mental health symptoms, and alcohol consumption in elite hockey players. By addressing these issues and providing resources for support, the hockey community can better care for its players’ well-being both on and off the ice.