Anxiety and depression in athletes assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) - a systematic scoping review

Introduction: Poor mental health of athletes is major concern in sport. Typically, incidence/prevalence symptoms studied using symptom-specific questionnaires. For depression/anxiety, one such self-reporting questionnaire the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).
 Objective: The aim this review was to synthesise and compare studies GHQ-12 inform future research by identifying trends gaps literature.
 Methods: A systematic search five electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus Web Science) conducted on all published up 1 January 2019. 1) participants were able-bodied athletes; 2) measured anxiety/depression GHQ-12; 3) full original articles from peer-reviewed journals; 4) English.
 Results: 32 included review. Prevalence incidence ranged 21-48% 17-57% respectively. majority screening cross-sectional. Almost 70% used traditional scoring method. study populations sampled all-male cohorts comprising football (soccer) players.
 Conclusion: 0-0-1-1 should be with cut-off set at ?3. Also, mean score reported. Potential risk factors for (i.e. recent adverse life events, injury illness, social support, pressure perform career transitioning) a lack prospective identified. Future also broaden spectrum athlete try improve response rates.