Endurance sports against anxiety disorders

Panic attacks can be reduced by endurance sports

08/05/2014

Anxiety disorders can be treated both psychotherapeutically and pharmacologically, according to the statement in the new S3 guideline „Treatment of anxiety disorders“. In addition, endurance sports have a preventive effect and a positive effect on the therapy - especially in the case of panic attacks, the experts explained when presenting the new treatment guidelines.

Basically, the new treatment guidelines recommend the use of psychotherapeutic procedures and / or pharmacological treatment. In the field of psychotherapy, first and foremost cognitive behavioral therapy should be mentioned, but also psychodynamic therapy can be very successful here. Furthermore, the S3 guideline, for example in the case of panic disorders or agoraphobia (fear of certain places and places), provides for intervention strategies based on a specific exposure to the fears under certain conditions. Those affected should be under therapeutic guidance their fears.

Psychotherapy or psychotropic drugs?
The decision whether to tackle the anxiety disorder through psychotherapy or psychotropic drugs should, according to the new treatment guideline, take into account the patient's desire. The latter may therefore choose between the different treatment options. For this reason, however, you must be fully informed by the treating physicians about the therapeutic approaches. For the treatment of anxiety disorders, the S3 guideline includes serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as well as agents such as tricyclic antidepressants or pregabalin. The multiple use of benzodiazepines, however, is now rejected in the guideline.

Endurance sports and visiting self-help groups
As a further measure that can have a positive effect on the treatment of anxiety disorders, the visit to self-help groups is recommended in the new treatment instructions. In addition, endurance sport can have a very positive effect on panic disorders, according to the statement in the new S3 guideline. The guideline was drafted over a period of six years, taking into account all current studies on this topic. Participants included the German Society for General Medicine and Family Medicine (DEGAM), the German Society for Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Psychotherapy (DGPM) and the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN). (Fp)