This work aims to study the impact of depression on athletic performance in a sample of 180 young adolescents attending school. To reach this objective, we used the MINI test (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) for the assessment of depression. Moreover, we chose gymnastics as sport discipline to assess the performance. The results showed relatively high depressive statuses with 29% having a mild depressive episode, 14% with an average depressive episode and 8% with severe depressive episode. The studied adolescents displayed a low athletic performance. Furthermore, girls showed lower performance and higher depression than boys. In terms of age, the adolescents who are between 13 and 14 years old displayed higher performance and lower depression compared to older ones. The correlation analysis showed that depression has a negative effect on performance.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the sports performance depends on the depression status that a better management of mental health of adolescents could improve significantly their sports performance.