LEVELS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN ELITE KARATE ATHLETES

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the levels of anxiety and depression, in elite karate athletes on the beginning of the summer preparatory period. The investigation was carried out as part of regular periodical systematic physical check-up of athletes. Twenty nine elite male karate athletes (most of them members of the Macedonian national karate team) aged 15 to 29 years, were asked to fulfil the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The BAI questionnaire consists of 21 questions related to various aspects of anxiety. The intensity of perceived anxiety for every question in BAI is scored from 0 to 3, with 0 representing the least serious and 3 the most serious symptoms. The sum of all items is calculated at the end. BAI scores from 0-7 were ranked as a normal anxiety level; 8-25 as moderate; and 26-63 as high anxiety. The degree of depressive symptoms was measured by the 21-item-revised form of Beck Depression Inventory. The BDI statements for each question are ranked from 0 to 3, with 0 representing the least serious and 3 the most serious symptoms. Scores of BDI ≤ 10 indicate absence of depressive symptoms, BDI scores from 11-20 indicate mild depressive symptoms, while BDI scores from 21-30 indicate moderate depressive symptoms. BDI scores higher than 30 indicate clinically manifest depressive episode. Mean value of the acquired BAI scores in elite karate athletes was 4,1 ± 3,8. One seventh of all athletes showed moderate levels of anxiety. Mean value of acquired BDI scores was 6,1 ± 5,5. Four athletes showed mild depressive symptom, while one athlete showed moderate depressive symptoms. There was a positive correlation between the degree of depressive symptoms and the age of the athletes (r=0,575).