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[Physical activity for mental health]
1Psykiatrisk klinikk, Sentralsjukehuset i Sogn og Fjordane, Førde. egilwm@online.no
Background:
About 50% of the population will be affected by a mental disorder during their lifetime; the most common forms are mood and anxiety disorders and abuse of or dependence on drugs or alcohol. The standard forms of therapy are medication and various forms of psychotherapy. The cost of treating disease is escalating, and the health care system will never be able to meet the need for treatment in this large group of patients. Hence, development of effective self help strategies is important.
Material And Methods:
In this paper, the scientific basis for promoting exercise as treatment for mental disorders is evaluated on the basis of a review of the literature.
Results:
Beneficial psychological effects of exercise are best documented for mild to moderate forms of unipolar depression and chronic fatigue syndrome; in these disorders, exercise is an alternative to traditional forms of treatment. A therapeutic effect may also be achieved in panic and generalised anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, conversion and somatoform pain disorder, and alcohol abuse and dependence.
Interpretation:
Beneficial effects of exercise are well documented. A simple and inexpensive approach like exercise is helpful and might be important for public health.