Generalized Anxiety Disorder Papers
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Visual Abstract
Effects of short-term exercise training on signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
Effects of exercise training on anxiety symptoms
November 25, 2024
author
Herring, Matthew P., et al.
journal
Mental Health and Physical Activity
Date Published
2011
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Study Summary
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What They Studied
The study investigated how six weeks of resistance and aerobic exercise affect signs and symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in sedentary women.
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What They Found
Both resistance and aerobic exercise produced similar beneficial effects on anxiety symptoms, particularly reducing irritability, anxiety, low vigor, and pain.
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What This Means
These findings align with current evidence, indicating that short-term resistance and aerobic exercises could offer comparable benefits to managing GAD symptoms along with standard treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.
Study Summary
Study Overview
This study aimed to understand how exercise might help relieve symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The authors noted that traditional treatments, like medication, often come with negative side effects. They found that exercise training could improve various GAD symptoms, including irritability and anxiety, suggesting a new approach to treatment.
Overall, the research highlights the potential of exercise in treating mental health conditions, encouraging further exploration into its benefits for GAD patients.
Overall, the research highlights the potential of exercise in treating mental health conditions, encouraging further exploration into its benefits for GAD patients.
Abstract: background
To quantify and compare the effects of six weeks of resistance (RET) and aerobic exercise training (AET) on signs and symptoms associated with GAD.
Potential of Exercise in Treatment
"Exercise training has positive effects on multiple signs and symptoms that characterize patients with GAD, including poor concentration, depression, fatigue, feelings of anxiety, muscle tension, and pain."
Need for Continued Research
"Given the relative paucity of available evidence regarding treatment effects on associated signs and symptoms of GAD, there is a need for continued research into not only the efficacy of treatments for pathological worry, but also for research into treatment effects for associated signs and symptoms among GAD patients."
Short-term Benefits of Exercise
"The present findings indicate that short-term exercise training, including resistance exercise training, can improve signs and symptoms associated with GAD, particularly irritability, anxiety, low vigor, and pain."
Study Summary
Methods
The study included 30 women with GAD, aged 18-37. They were not undergoing treatment except medication. Participants were divided into groups: resistance exercise, aerobic exercise, or a wait list.
Resistance training used lower-body weightlifting twice a week. Aerobic groups cycled, matching the resistance group's effort. Researchers measured anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other symptoms to evaluate changes over two, four, and six weeks.
Resistance training used lower-body weightlifting twice a week. Aerobic groups cycled, matching the resistance group's effort. Researchers measured anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other symptoms to evaluate changes over two, four, and six weeks.
Abstract: methods
Thirty sedentary women, aged 18–37 years, diagnosed by blinded clinicians with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of GAD, who were not engaged in treatment other than pharmacotherapy, were randomized to six weeks of RET, AET, or wait list (WL). RET involved ...more
Study Summary
Results
Resistance training notably eased tension and irritability among participants. It also offered considerable improvements in anxiety, concentration, depression, fatigue, and pain intensity.
Aerobic exercise improved similar areas like anxiety and fatigue. However, resistance training often showed better outcomes for nine out of twelve measures, though the difference wasn’t always significant.
Aerobic exercise improved similar areas like anxiety and fatigue. However, resistance training often showed better outcomes for nine out of twelve measures, though the difference wasn’t always significant.
Abstract: results
RET significantly reduced feelings of anxiety-tension and the frequency and intensity of irritability. RET also resulted in six-week Hedges’ d effect sizes ≥0.36 for trait anxiety, concentration, symptoms of depression, fatigue and vigor, and pain in...more
Study Summary
Conclusions
Both short-term resistance and aerobic exercises improved anxiety symptoms in GAD patients, particularly irritability and energy levels. Results suggest exercise is beneficial in managing GAD symptoms.
While both exercise types were effective, the potential slightly higher benefit from resistance training merits further study to confirm these initial findings.
While both exercise types were effective, the potential slightly higher benefit from resistance training merits further study to confirm these initial findings.
Abstract: conclusions
Short-term RET and AET provoke comparable improvements in signs and symptoms associated with GAD, particularly irritability, anxiety, low vigor and pain. Findings warrant further investigation.
Background Information
Patient Guide
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Excessive Worry Impact
Persistent, unrealistic worry impacts daily life; common in GAD, affects concentration and daily tasks.
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Physical Symptoms of GAD
Fatigue, muscle tension, and headaches are widespread physical symptoms in GAD individuals.
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Restlessness in GAD
Restlessness includes feeling on edge, easily startled, and having difficulty concentrating for GAD.
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Current Treatment Approaches
GAD often managed with CBT, combined with medications like SSRIs, indicating a need for alternative options.
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Challenges in Treating GAD
Issues like medication compliance and coexistence with depression complicate GAD treatment.
Professional Guide
Expert Opinion: Effects of exercise training on anxiety symptoms
In line with the study's exploration of exercise interventions for GAD, clinical guidance suggests exercise as a complementary approach to traditional therapies.
This aligns with recommendations for aerobic exercise alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy or pharmacotherapy.
Additionally, high-intensity exercise shows potential benefits, reinforcing the study's findings on exercise impact on symptoms like anxiety and vigor.
This aligns with recommendations for aerobic exercise alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy or pharmacotherapy.
Additionally, high-intensity exercise shows potential benefits, reinforcing the study's findings on exercise impact on symptoms like anxiety and vigor.
Evidence Summary
CBT vs Applied Relaxation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works by changing the negative thoughts and behaviors that fuel anxiety in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It helps patients recognize and alter these patterns. Applied Relaxation takes a different approach by teaching muscle relaxation techniques, aiming to directly reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
Both methods are used to manage GAD, but they focus on different pathways to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Both methods are used to manage GAD, but they focus on different pathways to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Evidence Summary
Uncertainty and Anxiety: Consistent Patterns in Disorders
The review highlights how uncertainty plays a central role in anxiety disorders by examining multiple studies. It shows a consistent link between a lack of tolerance for uncertainty and heightened anxiety symptoms. The article focuses on how uncertainty influences various anxiety patterns.
The review provides examples of how uncertainty escalates anxiety across different studies. These studies emphasize the relationship between uncertainty and anxiety disorders.
The review provides examples of how uncertainty escalates anxiety across different studies. These studies emphasize the relationship between uncertainty and anxiety disorders.
Evidence Summary
Perseverative Thought in GAD and MDD
Repetitive negative thinking, or perseverative thought, is a pattern linked to both Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). People with these conditions often engage in repetitive cycles of negative thinking, reinforcing their symptoms.
The study delves into how these thought patterns manifest in GAD and MDD, shedding light on their role in maintaining anxiety and depression symptoms through persistent mental rumination.
The study delves into how these thought patterns manifest in GAD and MDD, shedding light on their role in maintaining anxiety and depression symptoms through persistent mental rumination.
