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 adolescence and mid-life.[1] The onset of GAD can either be genetic, caused by prolonged stress, a traumatic experience or distorted beliefs.[2]

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

[3]

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.[4]

Comorbidities[edit | edit source]

GAD has a high comorbidity rate as many symptoms of GAD overlap with those of other psychiatric illnesses, including depression, bipolar and other forms of anxiety (namely social phobia and panic disorder).[5]

Common Treatments[edit | edit source]

Common treatments for GAD include:

  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Cognitive behaviour therapy
  • Hypnotherapy [6]
  • Dietary modifications (elimination of caffeine and alcohol) [7]

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

Benefits of Exercise[edit | edit source]

  • Endorphin release which masks pain, and produces feelings of euphoria and well-being [8]
  • Stress relief and clearing and calming of the mind
  • Lower resting heart rate - elevated heart rate is a symptom of GAD and exercise works to regulate this [9]
  • Lowering airway resistance which improves the breathing difficulties experienced by GAD sufferers
  • Aids in alleviating muscle tension associated with GAD
  • Improves concentration

Exercise Recommendations[edit | edit source]

Aerobic exercise is the recommended exercise modality, as it is more pleasurable and achievable for the patient, and therefore increases the likelihood of adherence. Brisk walking, jogging, cycling and swimming are best. Exercising in social situations (for example, social tennis or dancing) is beneficial in two ways; the body undergoes the physiological adaptations associated with exercise, whilst also relieving emotional tension and improving self-value. Constantly elevated heart rate is a complication associated with GAD, however aerobic exercise improves the efficiency of the heart, thus lowering resting heart rate and helping to alleviate this symptom. [9] Yoga is recommended, and, whilst is it not seen as an aerobic exercise, it calms the body, regulates breathing, and alleviates stress, whilst also stretching the muscles and strengthening the body.

Further Research, Reading and Support[edit | edit source]

It is well-documented that there is a positive link between exercise and its role in preventing or lessening the burden of mental illness, however the clinical recommendations for exercise prescription are very general and limited. Future studies into standardising an exercise regime for sufferers of mental illness would be extremely beneficial in both prevention and treatment.

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. ↑ Clark, D.M (1999). "Anxiety Disorders: Why They Persist and How to Treat Them". Journal of Behaviour Research and Therapy. 37: 5–27. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  3. ↑ 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)
  4. ↑ 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)
  5. ↑ Simon, N.M (2009). "Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Psychiatric Comorbidities such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Substance Abuse". Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 70: 10–14. doi:10.4088/JCP.s.7002.02. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ↑ 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)
  7. ↑ Hughes, R.N (1996). "Drugs Which Induce Anxiety: Caffeine". New Zealand Journal of Psychology. 25 (1): 36–42. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ↑ Harbor, VJ. "Endorphins and Exercise". Journal of Sports Medicine. Retrieved 22/10/2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  9. ↑ Rodriguez, Diana. "Anti-Anxiety Workout". Retrieved 22/10/2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
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