RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The knowledge about the consequences of state doping in the GDR is limited. It is assumed that the precarious training conditions had a great influence on the mental health of the former competitive athletes. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological symptoms of former GDR competitive athletes. METHOD: A case-control study was conducted using questionnaires on psychological symptoms and possible risk or protective factors. RESULTS: Significant differences were found on scales. The major part of the affected athletes showed a clinically relevant psychological stress. Exemplary for this is a pronounced depressive symptomatology in 65,19% of the probands. CONCLUSION: Presumably, the negative experiences in competitive sports led to an increase in psychological symptoms and vulnerability.