www.DivePsych.com is currently under reconstruction

Disclaimer: The content of this website, and any services contained therein, is not intended to, and does not, provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any communication with the physician through this website does not establish a physician-patient relationship.

Dr. Colvard's Speaking Schedule

2011

February 17 – 19, 2011

Our World-Underwater in Rosemont, IL

Ten Ways to Equalize Your Ears Naturally (PDF downloadable file)

Of all the potential problems that affect divers, ear problems are not only the most common, but also most likely to keep divers out of the water. For many a fate worse than death. During the next 20 minutes, I will be providing you with ten or so ways to equalize your ears naturally, without medications. Not all of these techniques will work for all of you, so try them out and find the ones that work best for you.

Prevention Strategies for Anxiety & Panic in Divers (PDF downloadable file)

Realistic Fear? Paralyzing Anxiety? What to do?

Stress and Panic Management for Divers:

Training Exercises for Controlling Diver Stress & Panic*

Part 1: The Causes and Symptoms of Diver Stress - (reproduced with permission of Tom Griffiths, Ed.D.)

Part 2: The Calming Breath Response (Diaphragmatic Breathing) - (reproduced with permission of Tom Griffiths, Ed.D.)

Part 3: Mental Rehearsal for Controlling Underwater Stress- (reproduced with permission of Tom Griffiths, Ed.D.)

Part 4: Systematic Progressive Relaxation - (reproduced with permission of Tom Griffiths, Ed.D.)

*These exercises are NOT intended to be a substitute for professional treatment. Consult your personal physician or therapist before using them if you have a history of Panic Disorder or Claustrophobia or any other anxiety problems.

The Complete Panic Prevention Program (NDA News)

Tom Griffiths, Ed.D., 1987

Tom Griffiths, Ed.D., is the Director of Aquatics and Safety Officer for Athletics at Penn State University. He has been involved in all phases of aquatics and water safety for 30 years and has published more than 300 articles.

Fathoms of Fear: A Case Study of Panic in a Recreational Scuba Diver

By David F. Colvard, M.D.

DAN's Alert Diver Issue: May/June 2009

The diver was …

A 30-year-old female with open-water certification had been diving for less than a year and had made fewer than 10 dives. She was in good health, was taking no medication and had no history of anxiety...

(Unfortunately, I am unable to post the rest of this feature article on my website. To read this article, go to http://www.alertdiver.com/articles.aspx?articleno=74 and log in as a DAN member, or get a copy of Alert Diver, May/June 2009, pages 42-47.)

Or, send me an email and I will send you scans of the pages.

David's Underwater Photos

Dr. Colvard's Speaking Schedule

2011

February 2011 in Rosemont, Illinois

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Our World-Underwater

Ten Ways to Equalize Your Ears Naturally

Financial Disclosure: Dr. Colvard is a consultant to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of SINUS RINSE ™ Nasal Rinse Kit.

Prevention Strategies for Anxiety & Panic in Divers

Realistic Fear? Paralyzing Anxiety? What to do?

2009

February 20 - 22, 2009 in Rosemont, Illinois

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Our World-Underwater

NeilMed Pharmaceuticals Booth # 705

Financial Disclosure: Dr. Colvard is a consultant to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of SINUS RINSE ™ Nasal Rinse Kit.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Diver Panic and Rapid Ascent: Tsunami of 26 December 2004
Results from surveys of 16 divers who were underwater when the tsunami struck.

2008

February 15 - 17, 2008 in Rosemont, Illinois

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Our World-Underwater

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Can You Say "Good-Bye" to Decongestants?
Nasal and Sinus Irrigation in divers; natural alternatives to decongestants.
Live nasal irrigation demonstration!

Identifying Anxiety and Panic Risk in Divers
Related surveys, equipment issues, observable indicators-pre-dive,
in-water and post-dive signs.

Financial Disclosure: Dr. Colvard is a consultant to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of SINUS RINSE ™ Nasal Rinse Kit.

2007

July 3 & 10, 2007 in Bonaire, Netherland Antilles

Bonaire Dive & Adventure

"Diver Stress and Panic: What the Data Shows"

September 27, 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Indaba Hotel & Conference Centre

DAN-SA - Diver Stress and Panic Prevention Workshop

"Understanding Stress, Anxiety & Panic in Divers"

"Identifying Anxiety & Panic Risk in Divers"

"Case Discussions"

"Prevention Strategies for Anxiety & Panic in Divers"

Organized by Divers Alert Network - Southern Africa

September 28, 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Indaba Hotel & Conference Centre

SAUHMA Conference - Refresher Course in Underwater Medicine 2007

"Anxiety, Panic and Psychiatric Problems in Divers"

"Nasal and Sinus Irrigation in Scuba Divers"

Financial Disclosure: Dr. Colvard is a consultant to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of SINUS RINSE ™ Nasal Rinse Kit.

October 4-6, 2007 in Inhambane, Mozambique

Barra Lodge & Dive Centre

"Understanding Stress, Anxiety & Panic in Divers"

"Identifying Anxiety & Panic Risk in Divers"

"Prevention Strategies for Anxiety & Panic in Divers"

"Nasal and Sinus Irrigation in Scuba Divers"

Financial Disclosure: Dr. Colvard is a consultant to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of SINUS RINSE ™ Nasal Rinse Kit.

October 31 - November 3, 2007 in Orlando, Florida

Orange County Convention Center

DEMA Show 2007

Booth # 445 NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

"Nasal and Sinus Irrigation in Scuba Divers"

Financial Disclosure: Dr. Colvard is a consultant to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of SINUS RINSE ™ Nasal Rinse Kit.

C:\Users\David\Documents\David's Websites\DivePsych\Presentations-pdf\NasalIrrigation-SAUHMA CME Conference.pdf

"A Shrink Studies Scuba"

These articles by Dr. Colvard (or guest shrinks) originally appeared in The Bonaire Reporter. Used with permission.

A Diving Musician Grieves Bonaire Reporter - June 29, 2007, p. 7

Does Your Dive Buddy Have Nitrogen Narcosis? Bonaire Reporter - June 8, 2007, p. 16

Nitrogen Narcosis Bonaire Reporter - May 18, 2007, p. 4

Peer Pressure or Disappear Pressure? Bonaire Reporter - May 11, 2007, p. 10

Another Reason to Stay Hydrated Bonaire Reporter - May 4, 2007, p. 15

Trait Curiosity in Scuba Divers Bonaire Reporter - April 27, 2007, p. 13

SELF-ANALYSIS QUESTIONNAIRE (STPI FORM Y-1) for Trait Curiosity

Nasal Irrigation Helps Divers Clear Ears Bonaire Reporter - April 13, 2007, p. 9

Easter Symbols Underwater Bonaire Reporter - April 5, 2007, p. 14

Claustrophobic Student Diver Bonaire Reporter - March 23, 2007, p. 15 & 17

Treating Traumatized Divers Bonaire Reporter - March 16, 2007, p. 18

Phobias in Scuba Diving Bonaire Reporter - March 9, 2007, p. 18

Relative Risk of Panic on Bonaire Bonaire Reporter - March 1, 2007, p. 10

Relative Risk of Panic During Dive - 2000 Survey Bonaire Reporter - February 16, 2007, p. 18

Obesity and Diving Bonaire Reporter - February 9, 2007, p. 18

Decompression Symptoms and Obesity in 2003 Bonaire Reporter - February 2, 2007, p. 18

Body Mass Index in Divers in 2003 Bonaire Reporter - January 19, 2007, p. 7

Diver Response to First Dive Panic Experience - 2000 Survey Bonaire Reporter - January 12, 2007, p. 8

How Do Divers Equalize? Bonaire Reporter - January 5, 2007, p. 7

Why Did Divers Cancel Dives in 2003? Bonaire Reporter - December 29, 2006, p. 9

No Foot, No Problem Bonaire Reporter - February 17, 2006, pp. 9 & 13

"Show Me the Numbers"

Medical Reasons Scuba Divers Canceled Dives in 2003

The above chart is from an online survey conducted by Dr. Colvard and completed by 1,982 divers in early 2004. It shows the conditions sited by 383 divers who canceled dives in 2003 for medical reasons.

Scuba Diving Magazine

Articles quoting or referencing Dr. Colvard.

Scuba-Phobia by Selene Yeager - June 2007, pp. 80-84

Equalize Every Time by Selene Yeager - April 2007, pp. 83-86

Diving with Depression by Selene Yeager - March 2007, pp. 87-89

Stop the Dive Wreckers (Ear pain) by Selene Yeager - December 2006, pp. 85-92

Truths and Consequences (Sex, Farts, Exercise & DCS) by Selene Yeager - November 2006, pp. 83-85

Battle of the Sexes (Gender & Anxiety) by Selene Yeager - April 2006, pp. 89-91

Never Panic Again by Selene Yeager - August 2005, pp. 97-100

Grace Under Pressure (Panic) by Selene Yeager - November 2003, pp. 101-102

Time for a Cool Change - Preliminary Results by David Taylor - May 2001, p. 2

New Safety Survey - Your Chance to Make History by David Taylor - October 2000, pp. 39-40

Publication - Fathoms of Fear: A Case of Diver Panic (alert diver online). Alert Diver, May/Jun 2009, p. 42-47.

Publication - Obesity & Diving (PDF download) (co-authored with Robert Mankoff, PhD; and Andy Owens) The Undersea Journal (Third Quarter 2007, pp. 40-45) This article originally appeared in the Third Quarter 2007 issue of The Undersea Journal. Used with permission.

Publication - A Study of Panic in Recreational Scuba Divers (PDF download) (co-authored with Lynn Y. Colvard) The Undersea Journal (First Quarter 2003, pp. 40-44) This article originally appeared in the First Quarter 2003 issue of The Undersea Journal. Used with permission.

Poster - Examination of Panic in 12,087 Recreational Scuba Divers (PowerPoint) (co-investigator Lynn Y. Colvard) UHMS Scientific Meeting (June 2002)

Disclaimer: The content of this website, and any services contained therein, is not intended to, and does not, provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any communication with the physician through this website does not establish a physician-patient relationship.

The Complete Panic Prevention Program (NDA News)

Tom Griffiths, Ed.D., 1987

Tom Griffiths, Ed.D., is the Director of Aquatics and Safety Officer for Athletics at Penn State University. He has been involved in all phases of aquatics and water safety for 30 years and has published more than 300 articles.

The Vigilant Lifeguard

A comprehensive report examines the hypothesis that the "level of arousal" affects an individual's performance....

"In fact, I spent the first decade of my career showing how the Inverted U explains panic in novice scuba divers. When we stressed scuba divers with too many underwater tasks, the performance on a timed U.S. Navy pipe puzzle test dropped significantly." Tom Griffiths, Ed.D.

Griffiths, Steel and Vaccaro. Relationship Between Anxiety and Performance in SCUBA Diving, Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1979, 48, pp. 1009-1010.

Griffiths, Steel, Vaccaro and Karpman. The Effects of Relaxation Techniques on Anxiety and Underwater Performance, The International Journal of Sport Psychology, 1981, 12, pp. 176-182.

Prophylactic Nasal Irrigation to Facilitate Middle Ear Pressure Equalization in Experienced Scuba Divers

David F Colvard, MD Raleigh, NC

Objective: Middle ear squeeze caused by difficulty equalizing the pressure in ears during descent and ascent is among the most common problems in recreational scuba divers. Many divers use pre-dive oral or topical decongestants to help equalize pressure in their middle ears and sinuses. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of the alternative of nasal irrigation prophylaxis among experienced divers to facilitate middle ear pressure equalization and reduce the use of decongestant medications.

Methods: Web-based "Before" and "After" questionnaires were taken by experienced scuba divers who had previously reported having difficulty equalizing their middle ears or having used oral or topical decongestants and who volunteered to use free samples of NeilMed's SINUS RINSE^TM irrigation system before diving. (Surveys were taken between Nov 2005 and Sep 2006.)

Results: One hundred male and female experienced divers completed both "Before" and "After" web-based questionnaires. Forty-four (44.0%) reported less nasal congestion after using SINUS RINSE^TM and ten (10.0%) reported more nasal congestion. Sixty-nine (69.0%) reported less frequent difficulty in clearing or equalizing their ears and five (5.0%) reported more frequent difficulty. Forty-one of 68 divers (60.3%) for whom use of oral decongestants were applicable reported decreased or discontinued use. Twenty-one of 38 divers (55.3%) for whom use of decongestant sprays or drops were applicable reported decreased or discontinued use. None reported increased use of decongestants in any form. Seventy-two (72.0%) would recommend the SINUS RINSE^TM system to other divers and three would not.

Conclusions: Experienced scuba divers continue to dive despite the medical relative risk of nasal congestion and difficulty clearing or equalizing their middle ears. Nasal irrigation can effectively and safely reduce nasal congestion and decrease the frequency and difficulty in clearing or equalizing their middle ears in many divers. Additionally, nasal irrigation can decrease the use of decongestants, both oral and spray or drops, and reduce the risk of rebound congestion and reverse middle ear squeeze during or after a dive when the decongestants might have worn off. A nasal irrigation system like NeilMed's SINUS RINSE^TM appears to be an economical, convenient, safe, and effective prophylactic alternative to decongestant medications for many recreational divers who choose to dive despite the medical relative risk of nasal congestion and difficulty clearing or equalizing their middle ears.

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Some amount of mucus production from the nasal and sinus lining is normal. Allergies and infections will cause excessive mucus production. This will create nasal and sinus symptoms such as runny and stuffy nose and post nasal drip. When the nasal rinse is performed, you wash away mucus, allergy causing particles and irritants such as pollens, dust particles, pollutants and bacteria, thus reducing the inflammation of the mucus membrane. Normal mucosa will fight infections and allergies better and symptoms will be reducedand allow the Eustachian tube to function more normally.

The above study results were presented on September 27, 2007 at SAUHMA Conference - "Refresher Course in Underwater Medicine 2007" in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Financial Disclosure: Dr. Colvard is a consultant to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of SINUS RINSE™

Demonstration video of SinusRinse

Who uses NeilMed's SINUS RINSE^TM irrigation system before diving?

Women's freediving record holder Mandy-Rae Cruickshank and many international competitive freedivers. While scuba divers have the luxury of taking their time to equalize the pressure in their middle ears, freedivers have to be able to equalize easily and instantly or they can't dive. Sinus and nasal congestion are a common problem faced by these athletes as they travel the world for training and competition. NeilMed's SINUS RINSE^TM irrigation system can dramatically shorten the time required for them to clear their heads for the next event.

Nasal saline irrigation

What is nasal saline irrigation?

Nasal irrigation is used when greater volumes of saline are needed, for example, when large mucus crusts build up or nasal/sinus polyps block mucus clearance.

To irrigate your nasal passages, a bulb syringe (used to clear the nasal passages of babies) can be used.

To make your own nasal irrigation solution, mix:

¼ tsp. of kosher or pickling salt

¼ tsp. baking soda

8 oz. of warm tap water

(1 tsp. of salt, 1 tsp baking soda per 32 ounces of water) Sinus Rinse SystemPremixed salt packets

Since tap water may have some bacterial impurities, you may choose to use distilled water instead. Boil the distilled water and store in a refrigerator until you add the salt and baking soda.

Or, you can purchase the "Sinus Rinse" system available at most pharmacies, which comes with single use salt packets. The Sinus Rinse system may be easier and more comfortable to use than a bulb syringe.

How do I do saline irrigation?

Use 8-16 ounces of solution in each nasal cavity 1-2 times daily, or as often as is prescribed by your health care provider.

• Lower your head over a sink and turn your head so that your left nostril is down.

• Pour solution from the container into your right nostril.

• Water will drain from your left nostril into the sink.

• Gently blow your nose.

• Repeat the same process for other nostril.

Breathing through your nose during irrigation will prevent a mess and minimize the amount that enters the throat. You should use only enough pressure to move the solution to the back of your nose so it comes out though your mouth or nose. This should not cause major discomfort once you are used to it.

Prepare fresh solution each day and clean the Sinus Rinse bottle after each use.

May 2006

Written by Melissa Pynnonen, M.D.

Information maintained by the UMHS Clinical Care Guidelines Committee

University of Michigan Health System 734-936-4000

Beer While Diving?

"Beer While Diving? There have been recent assertions in scuba magazines, chat rooms and scuba forums that it’s OK to drink beer between dives during a surface interval. Some divers insist on drinking beer before, during and after their dives. Is there any danger in drinking alcoholic beverages and diving? The short answer is that by drinking alcohol before and during diving trips a diver severely endangers not only himself but his buddy!" (reprinted from April 2008 Ten Foot Stop)

Join ScubaBoard and over 65,000 divers discussing Scuba Diving topics from Equipment to Dive Travel. Read dive articles where you can learn about the latest news, deep & wreck diving, new diver training and much more.

Negative neurofunctional effects of frequency, depth and environment in recreational scuba diving: the Geneva "memory dive" study.

Slosman DO, De Ribaupierre S, Chicherio C, Ludwig C, Montandon ML, Allaoua M, Genton L, Pichard C, Grousset A, Mayer E, Annoni JM, De Ribaupierre A.

Division of Nuclear Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. slosman@medecine.unige.ch

OBJECTIVES: To explore relationships between scuba diving activity, brain, and behaviour, and more specifically between global cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cognitive performance and total, annual, or last 6 months' frequencies, for standard dives or dives performed below 40 m, in cold water or warm sea geographical environments.

METHODS: A prospective cohort study was used to examine divers from diving clubs around Lac Leman and Geneva University Hospital. The subjects were 215 healthy recreational divers (diving with self-contained underwater breathing apparatus). Main outcome measures were: measurement of global CBF by (133)Xe SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography); psychometric and neuropsychological tests to assess perceptual-motor abilities, spatial discrimination, attentional resources, executive functioning, and memory; evaluation of scuba diving activity by questionnaire focusing on number and maximum depth of dives and geographical site of the diving activity (cold water v warm water); and body composition analyses (BMI).

RESULTS: (1) A negative influence of depth of dives on CBF and its combined effect with BMI and age was found. (2) A specific diving environment (more than 80% of dives in lakes) had a negative effect on CBF. (3) Depth and number of dives had a negative influence on cognitive performance (speed, flexibility and inhibition processing in attentional tasks). (4) A negative effect of a specific diving environment on cognitive performance (flexibility and inhibition components) was found.

CONCLUSIONS: Scuba diving may have long-term negative neurofunctional effects when performed in extreme conditions, namely cold water, with more than 100 dives per year, and maximal depth below 40 m.

Br J Sports Med. 2004 Apr;38(2):108-14.

Survey of Skin and Scuba Divers in the December 2004 Indonesian Tsunami

(click here for survey)

This is a world-wide Internet survey of skin and scuba divers who were in or on the water in the Indonesian tsunami on 26 December 2004 . There has been little or no published information regarding the effects of natural disasters on divers. Drs. Tom Skalko and Carmen Russoniello of East Carolina University and I are studying what that experience was like for divers and how it has affected their lives since then. We need divers who were in or on the water to help us by completing the survey.

Some of the survey questions may be upsetting, even months after the tsunami. It will take about 10 - 20 minutes to complete. The survey will automatically skip past questions that do not apply based upon answers to earlier questions. Results will be compiled and completed as a group only. No individual identifying information will be released to anyone. The risks of participating in this survey are considered minimal.

If you were in or on the water in the tsunami or know of any skin or scuba divers who were in or on the water in the tsunami, then please ask them to go directly to the survey URL to complete the survey:

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2247GPQ5XL9

David F. Colvard, M.D., Raleigh, NC, USA

TISE- Tsunami International Survey On Emotional Impactis a site from University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands meant for everyone who was in one of the countries affected by the tsunami and was a victim of it in any way. The web site contains information for relatives (and others involved) about the emotional impact of being a victim of a natural disaster. They have also set up a referral system of counselors in different countries for victims and relatives.

Information on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Prevention and Treatment of PTSD for Divers in December 26th Indonesian Tsunami

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder? A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet

Posttraumatic Stress DisorderInternet Mental Health

CAN BETA BLOCKERS PREVENT PTSD? A FIRST LOOKPeter Doskoch, Suggested Reading
Pitman RK, Sanders KM, Zusman RM, et al. Pilot study of secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder with propranolol. Biol Psychiatry. 2002;51:189-192.

Primary Care Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress DisorderJENNIFER TRAVIS LANGE, CAPT, MC, USA, CHRISTOPHER L. LANGE, CAPT, MC, USA, and REX B.G. CABALTICA, M.D.

A free internet self-help site for persons suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder - OCD, fear of flying and post-traumatic stress disorder - PTSD. Extensive information and skills, plus the latest on helpful medications. From R. Reid Wilson, Ph.D., Chapel Hill, NC

Psychology of diving: literary review and state of the art

di Salvatore Capodieci

"Despite the important contribution lately made by some researchers, we still have little knowledge of the mechanisms leading to panic attacks during diving; the recreational and technical aspects of the diverÕs personality as well as the psychodynamic basis of this activity and its correlations with other extreme sports were studied too little."

Survivor of a stingray injury to the heart

Beatrix F Weiss and Hugh D Wolfenden

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW.

Beatrix Weiss,

MB BS, FRACS, Cardiothoracic Fellow.Hugh D Wolfenden, MB BS, FRACS, Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

Injuries to the extremities from stingray barbs are not uncommon along the Australian seaboard. Cardiac injuries from stingray barbs are rare, even worldwide, and all but one have been fatal.

We report a survivor of a cardiac injury caused by a stingray barb. Penetration of a body cavity by a stingray barb requires early surgical referral and management.

(Medical Journal of Australia 2001; 175: 33-34)

"Dived" or "Dove"

The American Heritage^¨ Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

dive¹

PRONUNCIATION:	$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: C:\Users\David\Documents\David's Website\DivePsych\divepsych_com_files\pron.jpg$ d $Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: C:\Users\David\Documents\David's Website\DivePsych\index.html$ v
VERB:	Inflected forms: dived or dove ( $Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: C:\Users\David\Documents\David's Website\DivePsych\divepsych_com_files\pron.jpg$ d $Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: C:\Users\David\Documents\David's Website\DivePsych\divepsych_com_files\omacr.gif$ v), dived, diváing, dives
INTRANSITIVE VERB:	1a. To plunge, especially headfirst, into water. b. To execute a dive in athletic competition. c. To participate in the sport of competitive diving. 2a. To go toward the bottom of a body of water; submerge. b. To engage in the activity of scuba diving. c. To submerge under power. Used of a submarine. 3a. To fall head down through the air. b. To descend nose down at an acceleration usually exceeding that of free fall. Used of an airplane. c. To engage in the sport of skydiving. 4. To drop sharply and rapidly; plummet: Stock prices dove 100 points in a single day of trading. 5a. To rush headlong and vanish into: dive into a crowd. b. To plunge one's hand into. 6. To lunge: dove for the loose ball. 7. To plunge into an activity or enterprise with vigor and gusto.
TRANSITIVE VERB:	To cause (an aircraft, for example) to dive.
NOUN:	1a. A plunge into water, especially done headfirst and in a way established for athletic competition. b. The act or an instance of submerging, as of a submarine or a skin diver. c. A nearly vertical descent at an accelerated speed through the air. d. A quick, pronounced drop. 2a. Slang A disreputable or run-down bar or nightclub. b. A run-down residence. 3. Sports a. A knockout feigned by prearrangement between prizefighters: The challenger took a dive. b. An exaggerated fall, especially by a hockey player, intended to draw a penalty against an opponent. 4a. A lunge or a headlong jump: made a dive to catch the falling teacup. b. Football An offensive play in which the carrier of the ball plunges into the opposing line in order to gain short yardage.
ETYMOLOGY:	Middle English diven, from Old English d $Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: C:\Users\David\Documents\David's Website\DivePsych\index.html$ fan, to dip, and from d $Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: C:\Users\David\Documents\David's Website\DivePsych\divepsych_com_files\umacr.gif$ fan, to sink; see dheub- in Appendix I.
USAGE NOTE:	Either dove or dived is acceptable as the past tense of dive. Usage preferences show regional distribution, although both forms are heard throughout the United States. According to the Dictionary of American Regional English, in the North, dove is more prevalent; in the South Midland, dived. Dived is actually the earlier form, and the emergence of dove may appear anomalous in light of the general tendencies of change in English verb forms. Old English had two classes of verbs: strong verbs, whose past tense was indicated by a change in their vowel (a process that survives in such present-day English verbs as drive/drove or fling/flung); and weak verbs, whose past was formed with a suffix related to Ðed in Modern English (as in present-day English live/lived and move/moved). Since the Old English period, many verbs have changed from the strong pattern to the weak one; for example, the past tense of step, formerly stop, became stepped. Over the years, in fact, the weak pattern has become so prevalent that we use the term regular to refer to verbs that form their past tense by suffixation of Ðed. However, there have occasionally been changes in the other direction: the past tense of wear, now wore, was once werede, and that of spit, now spat, was once spitede. The development of dove is an additional example of the small group of verbs that have swum against the historical tide.