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	GAA inter-county players are significantly susceptible to common mental disorders (CMD), an international study has revealed.</p>
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	Findings from a representative sample of the sport&rsquo;s elite footballers and hurlers showed a high incidence of CMD symptoms. A total of 48% of respondents were found to suffer from anxiety/depression, while 23% were deemed to be using alcohol adversely. Over 38% were discovered to have experienced distress and 33% sleep disturbance.</p>
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	It was discovered the percentage of players with the alcohol symptoms was 4%-14% higher than among professional footballers.</p>
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	Players who had suffered from one or more severe musculoskeletal injuries were two to nearly four times more likely to report CMD symptoms. Those footballers and hurlers who admitted a lack of satisfaction in their sport career were found to be almost six times more likely to report stress than those players who were satisfied.</p>
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	With the assistance of the GPA, the study was conducted by a Dutch-based group of academics over a six-month period between the end of 2014 and the start of 2015.</p>
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	(Published by the Irish Examiner on the 8th June 2016)</p>
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	<a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/gaa-players-more-susceptible-to-mental-illness-403719.html">http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/gaa-players-more-susceptible-to-mental-illness-403719.html</a></p>
