Exercise as Treatment for “Stress-Related” Mental Disorders

Abstract

The beneficial impact of physical activity on preventing and treating mental disorders has captured growing (research) interest. This article aims to provide a concise overview of essential evidence regarding the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of physical activity for individuals with mental disorders clustered as “stress-related” conditions. Empirical findings (e.g., longitudinal- prospective studies, interventional randomized-controlled-trials, reviews, meta-analyses) regarding the effects of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of stress-related mental disorders are summarized. Furthermore, potential mechanisms underlying these effects are discussed, and recommendations regarding the use of physical activity are outlined. The majority of studies indicate good efficacy of physical activity in prospectively lowering the risk for the incidence of subsequent stress-related mental disorders as well as in the treatment of manifest disorders. Most evidence targets unipolar depressive disorder and, secondly, anxiety disorders. Research regarding posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and somatoform disorders is promising but scarce. Physical activityseems to be useful as a stand-alone-treatment as well as in combination with other psychotherapeuticor pharmacological treatments. Multiple intertwined physiological, psychological, and social mechanisms are assumed to mediate the beneficial effects. Recommendations regarding physical activity can orientate on official guidelines but should consider the individual needs and circumstances of each subject. In summary, physical activity seems to be effective in the prevention and treatment of stress-related mental disorders and, therefore, should be fostered in healthcare-settings. Future studies are needed to clarify partly inconsistent patterns of results and to close research gaps, e.g., concerning somatoform disorders.

Thematic Selection: Stress and Stress-related Disorders Developmental and Neuroendocrine Aspects of Stress and Stress-related Disorders (Part 1)

“…The next two articles by Kulakova et al [ 26 ] and Colizzi et al [ 27 ] investigate the interaction between the HPA axis and social cognition as well as the endocannabinoid system in the examples of borderline personality disorder and psychosis, respectively. Finally, Bendau et al [ 28 ] review the neuroendocrine mechanisms and the treatment effects of exercise in different stress-related disorders [ 28 ].…”