CMS - Cutler Meltdown Syndrome

CMS - Cutler Meltdown Syndrome

Overview & Facts

Cutler Meltdown Syndrome (or CMS) is a condition that may occur with athletes who are in a high level of competition and have brain freezes at critical moments. The term CMS was birthed from the 2010 NFC Championship Game where the Chicago Bears had a chance to win the game and go to the Super Bowl and quarterback Jay Cutler mentally checked out of the game.

Symptoms

Attitude changes (usually abrupt, but sometimes gradual); emotional breakdowns (either public or private); choking in a clutch situation during competition; extreme frustration; finger pointing; sulking/depression; erratic decision making and/or other similar behavior.

Types

Acute CMS - Acute cases may occur sporadically in athletes in one particular game or match. Possibly occurring in a level of competition where the subject has not yet been exposed (i.e. - being young and first time playing in a conference championship series or some similar case... Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose is a similar case. It is not yet determined whether he is acute or chronic, but two games in a row with similar activity leans closer toward chronic). It may just occur one time with a person, sometimes it may occur multiple times; just not repetitively.

Chronic - Chronic cases occur frequently throughout the career of an athlete. Not just limited to one particular game or match; it could be several games/matches or even a series. Athletes with Chronic CMS constantly find themselves brain farting in high stakes play on a much more consistent basis.

Diagnosis

Almost always diagnosed during competition, but sometimes diagnosed directly following competition (i.e. - locker room activity, press conference, interviews, etc.). Must be diagnosed by someone who does not also have CMS; for they may tend to favor the feelings of the affected individual.

Tests

One way to test for CMS is to lock a player in a small dark room to see how they react. Usually someone with CMS will tend to get claustrophobic, or have other similar mental issues. Defensive comments, vocal outbursts and/or instantaneous crying may also occur.

Treatment and Self Care

Usually CMS can be treated with perfect practice. However, in some cases where the athlete may require more time to recover, it is recommended that they be removed from competition with high stress situations (i.e. - 4th down, 2 minute drill, 10 yds to the marker... in this particular case quarterback Rex Grossman of the Washington Redskins experienced CMS when he threw an interception in double coverage at the end of a game versus the Dallas Cowchicks. It is not yet determined whether or not he has an acute or chronic case.)

Day to Day Living

CMS is not always prevalent; it can flare up at high stress times, and appear dormant any other time.

Finding Help

Patients with CMS can find help during a crisis time  by finding someone who cares enough to listen to their insatious wining.