Author(s): POKRYWKA, A., LEWANDOWSKA-PACHECKA, S., LENKIEWICZ, M., SURALA, O., GRANDA, D., SITKOWSK, D., BUKOWICKI, J., JEDREJKO, K. , Institution: MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW, Country: POLAND, Abstract-ID: 1358

INTRODUCTION:
Psychotropic medications are widely used in the general population; however, data on their use among elite athletes remain limited. Mental health disorders, sleep disturbances, and stress-related conditions may require pharmacological treatment, yet such therapy in athletes must consider safety, performance-related effects, and regulatory aspects. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychotropic medication use among Polish elite athletes and to examine associations with sex and type of sport.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional analysis of 6,599 Doping Control Forms (DCFs) collected during routine doping controls conducted in Poland in 2018–2019 was performed. Athletes’ declarations regarding medication use within seven days prior to testing were analyzed. Psychotropic medications were classified according to their pharmacological profile. Associations between medication use, sex, and sport discipline were evaluated using the Chi-square test with Monte Carlo simulation where appropriate.
RESULTS:
Psychotropic medication use was declared in 118 DCFs (1.79%). Hypnotics constituted the most frequently reported class, with zolpidem (50.0%), zopiclone (37.5%), and midazolam (5.6%) being the most commonly declared agents. The mean age of athletes reporting psychotropic medication use was 27.6 ± 6.3 years, but the highest proportion of was observed among athletes aged over 30 years. Female athletes reported psychotropic medication use more frequently than male athletes (3.02% vs. 1.22%, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between individual and team sports; however, the prevalence differed significantly across specific sport disciplines, including aquatics, athletics, motorcycle racing, sport climbing, and weightlifting.
CONCLUSION:
The prevalence of self-reported psychotropic medication use among Polish elite athletes was low compared with that observed in the general population. Hypnotic agents were the most commonly used psychotropic medications. These findings highlight the need for further research on psychotropic drug use in athletic populations, particularly with regard to their potential impact on sports performance and post–COVID-19 mental health challenges.