Changes

=Types of [[File:Training and Depression.png|right|thumb|300px|There is a general rise in emotional state with exercise, but [[Overtraining]] can lead to [[Overtraining Syndrome=]] and a dramatic decline in emotional health.]]

Some writers distinguish between 'Overreaching' (AKA 'non-functional overreaching') and '[[Overtraining Syndrome]] based on the time it takes to recover. The writers define overreaching as taking between a few days and two weeks<ref name="OTPhysioReview"/><ref name="OTEcssPos"/>. [[Overtraining Syndrome ]] is then defined as a recovery period of at least two weeks<ref name="OTPhysioReview"/>, but often months<ref name="OTEcssPos"/> and sometimes years<ref name="OTDepression "/>. However, this categorization does not seem useful, as there are no other distinctions other than recovery period.

[[Overtraining Syndrome]] has similarities with clinical depression<ref name="OTBrainMarathon"/> <ref name="OTDepression"/>]<ref name="OTMentalStigma"/>. There are several signs, symptoms, brain structures, newer transmitters, endocrine pathway dysfunctions, and immune system responses that are shared between [[Overtraining Syndrome]] and major depression<ref name="OTDepression"/><ref name="OTMentalStigma"/>. There are reports of successfully treating [[Overtraining Syndrome]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noradrenergic_and_specific_serotonergic_antidepressant serotonergic antidepressants]<ref name="OTMentalStigma"/> and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_serotonin_reuptake_inhibitor SSRI antidepressants] <ref name="OTDepression"/>. Alberto Salazar returned to competitive racing after 10 years of disabling [[Overtraining Syndrome]] after taking Prozac<ref name="OTDepression"/>. It could be argued that OTS and Major Depression are actually the same illness]<ref name="OTMentalStigma"/>. Exercise tends to protect against depression and other mental illnesses, but that does not give athletes complete immunity]<ref name="OTMentalStigma"/>. These benefits is somewhat undermined by the fact that athletes tend to be even more susceptible to undue diagnosis and inadequate treatment for depression and other mental illnesses]<ref name="OTMentalStigma"/>. Of course, due to the complexities of diagnosing [[Overtraining Syndrome]], the possibility that an athlete is suffering from clinical depression rather than [[Overtraining Syndrome]] must always be considered.

Overtrained athletes commonly exhibit irritability, decreased [[Motivation|motivation]], and cynicism towards their sport, and for many this can manifest as behavioral difficulties in interpersonal relationships<ref name="OTAdjust"/>. This can even result in reckless and abusive behavior<ref name="OTAdjust"/>.