Physical Exercise and Mental Health

Aaron MorrisonArizona State University

MHI 540

PICOT Question

-In patients who are currently prescribed anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication (P), how does daily physical activity (I) compared to a sedentary lifestyle (C) impact medication dosage (O) over a one-year period (T)?

Research Search Strategy -Articles related to the PICOT question were obtained by utilizing the Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. Below are the keyword combinations that were used for each database:

-Web of Knowledge: mental health, physical activity, medication depression anxiety

-Google Scholar: anxiety, medication dosage, physical activity

-PsycINFO: depression, physical activity, medication-Each search was limited between the years of 2007 and 2013

Background and Significance

-According to Mayo Clinic (2011), exercise can assist in reducing depression and anxiety a number of ways:

-Release of neurotransmitters-Reducing potentially harmful immune system chemicals-Increasing body temperature

Background and Significance

-In the study performed by Lahti, Lallukka, Lahelma, and Rahkonen (2013), 5961 participants ranging from ages 40 to 60 were monitored-Purpose of the study was to determine if physical activity can prevent mental health problems among middle-aged -Researchers determined that physical activity was associated with decreased risk of any psychotropic medication

Background and Significance

-Herring, Jacob, Suveg, Dishman, and O'Connor (2012) studied 30 sedentary women (18-37 years old) who had been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Each participant was currently taking a psychotropic medication-The purpose of the study was to determine if 6 weeks of either aerobic or resistance training had an impact on GAD symptoms -The results indicated that both forms of exercise have the ability to reduce symptoms of GAD and may be an effective treatment for the disorder

Background and Significance

-Searle, Calnan, Turner, Lawlor, Campbell, Chalder, and Lewis (2012) attempted to explore general practitioners' views of "physical activity, the extent of promotion of physical activity within the course of consultations, and awareness of evidence and clinical guidance for physical activity as a treatment for depression."

-This study was conducted by using a structured interviewing process

-15 general practitioners were randomly selected

-The researchers found that general practitioners are "enthusiastic about promoting physical activity for the management of depression and may do so without reference to an evidence base" (Searle et al., 2012).

Clinical Decision for Practice Change

-Although sufficient research was not found detailing the impact of exercise on medication dosage, evidence was located that indicates the positive effect it can have on an individual's overall well-being.

-The results of the studies suggest that exercise has the capability of improving or decreasing the symptoms of GAD and depression.

-Due to the findings, physical exercise should be considered as a method of treating anxiety and depression symptoms either before or after prescribing medication.

ReferenceHerring, M.P., Jacob, M.L., Suveg, C., Dishman, R.K., O'Connor, P.J. (2012).

Feasibility of Exercise Training for the Short-Term Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Psychother Psychosom, 81, 21-28. doi: 10.1159/000327898

Lahti, J., Lallukka, T., Lahelma, E., Rahkonen, O. (2013). Leisure-time physical activity and psychotropic medication: A prospective cohort study. Preventive Medicine, 57(3), 173-177. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2013.05.019

Mayo Clinic (2011). Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases symptoms. Retrieved fromhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043

Melnyk, B.M., & Finpout-Overholt, E. (2010). Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare: A guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Searle, A., Calnan, M., Turner, K., Lawlor, D., Campbell, J., Chalder, M., Lewis, G. (2012). General practitioners' beliefs about physical activity for managing depression in primary care. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 5.1, 13-19. Retrieved from PsycINFO.