Exercise as it relates to Disease/Improvements in general anxiety disorder symptoms with physical activity

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Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a form of anxiety disorder in which sufferers experience excessive and unnecessary anxiety and worry about regular occurrences in everyday life. In Australia, GAD affects approximately 3-6% of the population and is most common during mid-life. The onset of GAD can be genetic or caused by prolonged stress or a traumatic experience.[1]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of anxiety can be classified as either mental (affecting the psyche) or somatic (affecting the body but excluding the psyche). Mental symptoms can be categorised as apprehension and vigilance, whilst somatic symptoms can be categorised as either motor-based or exaggerated physiological responses.

Category (Mental or Somatic) Associated Symptoms
Mental: Apprehension
  • Excessive worry
  • Fear
  • Agitation
Mental: Vigilance
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Fidgeting
Somatic: Motor-based
  • Muscle tension
  • Restlessness
Somatic: Exaggerated Physiological Responses
  • Accelerated heart and sweat rate
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia

[2]

In order to meet diagnostic criteria for GAD, patients must suffer from persistent and uncontrollable apprehension, and the consequential somatic responses, for at least six months.[3]

Common Treatments[edit | edit source]

Common treatments for GAD include:

  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Cognitive behaviour therapy
  • Hypnotherapy [4]
  • Dietary modifications (elimination of caffeine and alcohol)

Exercise can be used in conjunction with these treatments to help minimise the symptoms of GAD.

Barriers to Exercise or Physical Activity[edit | edit source]

There are several factors that dictate the likelihood of a GAD patient adhering to an exercise regime:

  • Interest in the activity
  • Perception of physical activity and exercise (i.e. incidental physical activity)
  • Motivation
  • Fatigue
  • Low self-esteem
  • Mind control

Exercise Recommendations[edit | edit source]

Further reading[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Hunt, C. "DSM-IV Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being". Psychological Medicine Journal. Retrieved Saturday 20 October 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. Brown, T.A. "Generalised Anxiety Disorder" (PDF). Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders, Third Edition: A Step-by-Step Treatment Manual. Retrieved 20/10/2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  3. Kessler, R.C. "Patterns and Correlates of Generalised Anxiety Disorder in Community Samples" (PDF). Retrieved 20/10/2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  4. Sharma, Renu (2011). Hypononsis: Psycho-philosophical Perspectives and Therapeutic Evidence. New Dehli: Concept Publishing Company. pp. 207–211. ISBN 13-978-81-8069-727-2. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: length (help)