Int J Sports Med 2004; 25(2): 150-153
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-819952
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Abnormal Serotonin Reuptake in an Overtrained, Insomnic and Depressed Team Athlete

A. L. T.  Uusitalo1 , M.  Valkonen-Korhonen2 , P.  Helenius3 , E.  Vanninen1 , K. A.  Bergström1 , J. T.  Kuikka1, 4
  • 1Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Kuopio, Finland
  • 2Department of Psychiatry and Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Kuopio, Finland
  • 3Unit for Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
  • 4Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: May 30, 2003

Publication Date:
26 February 2004 (online)

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to study serotonin reuptake of the brain in a severely overtrained athlete by using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A 26-year-old team athlete increased his training volume (by 200 %) and intensity markedly in a new high-level team. After two months, he started to feel continuous fatigue. He had tinnitus in his left ear, he felt disturbing palpitation and had pollacisuria. After four months, he started to suffer from insomnia. He still continued to play for another three months, after which he was unable to play. He could only sleep for 3 to 4 hours per night. Only minor abnormalities could be found in extensive physical and laboratory examinations. The athlete had a severe overtraining state. In the brain SPECT scans, using the specific radioligand for serotonin transporter imaging (123I labelled 2β-carbomethoxy-3β-[4-iodophenyl]-nortropane), low activity areas were detected in the midbrain, anterior gingulus, and left frontal and temporo-occipital lobes. In a psychiatric examination, the patient was found to have signs of major depression, which he hardly recognized himself. We conclude, that that the severe overtraining state could have been related to decreased serotonin reuptake in the brain and signs of major depression.

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MD A. Uusitalo PhD

Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine

P.O. Box 1777, 70211 Kuopio, Finland ·

Phone: +358 17 173281

Fax: +358 17 173244

Email: arja.uusitalo-koskinen@kuh.fi

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