Athlete Mental Health and Performance Optimization

Athlete Mental Health and Performance Optimization: The Optimum Performance Program for Sports (TOPPS)introduces TOPPS, which provides structured protocols to assist with recruitment, engagement, screening, assessment and performance optimization. The book presents step-by-step instructional guidelines, real-world case examples, screening and assessment questionnaires, scoring instructions, intervention handouts and worksheets that complement intervention. TOPPS has demonstrated significantly improved relationships with teammates and coaches, decreased substance use and psychiatric symptoms, and decreased factors interfering with sport performance. These results have been sustained in follow-up and has been shown to have improved outcomes regardless of mental health diagnostic severity. The Book's first three chapters introduce performance optimization orientation, theories and evidence supporting TOPPS, general assessment and intervention approaches, psychometrically-validated measures and strategies used to address culture, methods of establishing a culture of optimization and requisite infrastructure within the respective system, and therapeutic style, techniques and implementation strategies. Remaining chapters show how to implement TOPPS.

Brad Donohue is a licensed clinical psychologist and Distinguished Alumni of Nova Southeastern University. He is a Distinguished Professor in the Psychology Department and Director of The Optimum Performance Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With a recent focus on optimization science, his applied research is chiefly focused on the scientific development, evaluation, and dissemination of optimization programs, including engagement, assessment, and intervention methods. He also oversees the delivery of mental wellness and performance-based services, including training initiatives that are focused on the optimization of performers in unique cultures with specialized skill sets. He is the author of more than 160 scientific manuscripts, has directed projects funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the United States. He has been invited to present applied research specific to TOPPS throughout Europe, Brazil, Canada and the United States, and is the recipient of various awards, including the Harry Reid Silver State Research Award, James Mikawa Award for Outstanding Contributions to Psychology Award, Donald Schmeidel Lifetime Service Award, and Barrick Distinguished Scholar Award. Specific to sports, he is a past national amateur light heavyweight boxing champion in the United States.

1. Establishing a Culture of Optimization within the System 2. Optimizing the System's Infrastructure, Recruitment and Engagement 3. Optimizing Therapeutic Style and Implementation Strategies 4. Optimal Mental Health and Sport Performance Screens/Assessments 5. Orienting Athletes and their Significant Others to Optimization 6. Establishing Optimal Agendas 7. The Optimum Performance Plan 8. Establishing Optimal Dynamic Goals 9. Establishing Optimal Motivation 10. Optimizing Relationships with Appreciation and Gratitude 11. Optimizing Communication with Positive Requests 12. Establishing the Optimum Environment 13. Establishing Optimal Self-Control 14. Discovering the Optimum Dream Job 15. Optimizing Job Getting Skills 16. Optimizing Financial Management 17. Concluding Performance Programming 18. Applications to Mental Health Syndromes Common in Athletes