Exercise as a Treatment Option for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders

Abstract
Primary care physicians frequently encounter patients with anxiety and depressive disorders. Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and a combination of treatments have been proven effective in treating these disorders. However, recent articles in the medical literature have also documented the beneficial effects of exercise as an additional treatment option. This article reviews the available literature on the use of exercise to treat depression and anxiety and provides recommendations to primary care physicians about using exercise as an adjunctive treatment for patients with these symptoms.