Abstract:
The benefits of exercise for improving physical and mental health are well known; but it could be argued that we are not using it as a therapeutic intervention as well as we could. The rates of mental health conditions, particularly anxiety and depression, in our young adult population have been increasing significantly over the past 10 years. This was exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic, but rates were increasing pre-pandemic. The rates of diagnosis of ADHD have also been increasing significantly and requests for assessment form a large proportion of the referral's to our paediatric outpatient service.
My interest in this topic is longstanding. I am a keen road cyclist and enjoy trips to Europe to challenge myself on the climbs. A recent bout of severe medical illnesses and trauma leading to prolonged hospitalisation and immobility has furthered my interest as I experienced difficulties personally. Why are we not using exercise more frequently as a first line or even adjuvant therapy?
