Physical Activity & Mood November 21, 2002. Physical Activity and Depression Non-clinical depression Clinical depression (DSM) –loss of interest, lowered

Physical Activity & MoodPhysical Activity & Mood

November 21, 2002

Physical Activity and Physical Activity and DepressionDepression

Non-clinical depression Clinical depression (DSM)

– loss of interest, lowered mood, at least 2 weeks– at least 5 of the following

loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, sleep disturbance, decreased energy, psychomotor slowing, sense of worthlessness, guilt

Physical Activity & Non-Physical Activity & Non-clinical Depressionclinical Depression

Depression is reduced with physical activity Effect of exercise varies from small to

medium

PA and Clinical DepressionPA and Clinical Depression

Depression is reduced with PA Effect of exercise varies from medium to

large

Depression & PA:Depression & PA:ModeratorsModerators

Task type

Duration Combination of PA and psychotherapy

provides best reduction

Why Does PA Benefit Mood?Why Does PA Benefit Mood?

Cognitive explanations Physiological explanations

Cognitive ExplanationsCognitive Explanations

Expectancy hypothesis


Cognitive Behavioral hypothesis


Social Interaction hypothesis


Distraction hypothesis

Physiological ExplanationsPhysiological Explanations

Thermagenic hypothesis


Monoamine hypothesis


Opponent process hypothesis


Cerebral changes hypothesis (Cog. Func.)

ConclusionConclusion

“If exercise could be packed into a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation” (Presidents Council on Physical Fitness, 1997)

Exercise Addiction:Exercise Addiction:How much of a good thing?How much of a good thing?

Can an activity associated with SO many benefits have the potential to be harmful?– Exercise dependence– Physical activity and eating disorders– Physical activity and steroid use

Exercise DependenceExercise Dependence

Number of definitions have been provided for exercise dependence that include:

– Behavioral correlates that might reflect dependence including PA duration, intensity & frequency

– Psychological correlates including a pathological commitment to PA

– combination of both of these People can be physically active 5, 6, or even 7 days a week

who are NOT dependent


Not only indicated by behavior but also by psychological reasons underlying that behavior

Diagnosed using DSM standards for substance dependence?

Can be defined as a multidimensional maladaptive pattern of PA, leading to significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more criteria from a possible list of seven


Tolerance effects - increased amounts of PA are necessary to achieve desired effect OR individual has markedly lower effects from same amt. of PA

Withdrawal effects - anxiety or fatigue are seen with cessation of PA, or PA is used to relieve or forestall onset of symptoms

Intention effects - PA is undertaken with greater intensity, frequency, or duration than was intended


Lack of control - PA is maintained despite a persistent desire to cut down or control it

Time - considerable time is spent in activities essential to PA maintenance

Reduction in other activities - other social, work, or recreational pursuits are reduced or dropped because of PA

Continuance - despite awareness of a persistent psychological physical or psychological problem, PA is maintained

Historical ContributionsHistorical Contributions

Frederick Baekeland - 1970

Exercise Dependence Exercise Dependence ResearchResearch

Hausenblas & Symons (2002) examined exercise dependence in over 2,300 exercisers who varied in their involvement

Represents effects during periods of no physical activity

Symptoms: Affective, Cognitive, Physiological, Social

Treatments of Exercise Treatments of Exercise DependenceDependence

Adams & Kirkby (1997) interviewed 24 physiotherapists w/ED clients

Treatments 71% experienced problems communicating--injured

runners refused to stop exercising

Documents

Physical Activity & Mood November 21, 2002. Physical Activity and Depression Non-clinical depression Clinical depression (DSM) –loss of interest, lowered