Exercise: A poorly Recognisd Treatment Adjunct in Mental Health

Abstract

Exercise was identified as a poorly recognised treatment modality in the management of mental illnesses going by the large volume of research supporting its beneficial effect on mental health. A number of studies have revealed its positive role in individuals involved in substance abuse, schizophrenia and other patients with clinically diagnosed mood disorders. Its role in addressing depressive symptoms in certain chronic disease conditions (such as diabetes and coronary artery disease) has well been documented. Studies have equally shown that overweight and obesity often associated with antidepressants and antipsychotics can significantly be minimized when therapy is combined with exercise programmes. The review also observed that despite the benefits attached to exercise in mental health as shown by plethora of studies, practitioners in mental health poorly recommend exercise as a treatment in mental health conditions. The review concluded that psychiatrists and rehabilitation therapists should generally consider exercise as another treatment option available in mental health conditions.

Keywords: mental illness, chronic diseases, exercise, rehabilitation, antipsychotics, antidepressants

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 53 (4) 2008: pp. 52-56