$Unique_ID{BRK01253}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{Is There Such a Thing as "Burnout" in Teenage Athletes?}
$Subject{burnout athletic teenager}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Such a Thing as "Burnout" in Teenage Athletes?


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QUESTION:  My son is definitely off his feed as far as his baseball is
concerned this year.  His coach keeps using the term "burnout" but my son is
only 15 years old.  Is there such a thing, and are there any treatments that
might help?

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ANSWER:  Yes, there is such a thing as burnout in teenage athletes.  If your
teenager frequently complains of chronic fatigue, and you notice that he is
not performing in athletics, and/or studies, as well as usual, medical
attention probably is needed to find out exactly what is occurring in that
body.  The driving forces behind all exercise performance are exceedingly
complex and involve a great many heart/lung, blood and psychological factors.
Therefore, finding out what really is wrong with a person who suddenly seems
to tire easily, experiences frequent headaches, gains or loses considerable
weight rather rapidly, has chest pains, light-headedness and other such
symptoms, is a matter for on-the-spot medical professionals to diagnose.  An
undetected disease certainly might be impairing the teenager's athletic
performance and such a possibility should be explored immediately, even though
the reason my only be the normal fatigue seen after intense athletic activity.
     Among conditions that frequently result in low energy for teenagers are
heart disease, anemia, emotional problems, excessive weight, or anorexia
nervosa, certain medications taken for chronic conditions, and most important,
unrealistic expectations regarding one's athletic abilities.  In addition
there are certain infrequent muscular diseases, and exercise-induced
bronchospasms (coughing, a feeling of chest tightness, wheezing or shortness
of breath after a work out).
     Now all of these symptoms sound like real illness, and can be, but the
fact is that they may also arise from prolonged stress and activity required
for sports.  I am not trying to hedge your question, but "burnout", in anyone,
is poorly understood at this time.
     Often it is blamed on overtraining.  When such is the case, early
recognition and prevention are truly important since rest is the only
effective treatment and recovery may be slow.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
