Exercise as it relates to Disease/Improvements in general anxiety disorder symptoms with physical activity

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a form of anxiety disorder in which sufferers experience excessive and unnecessary anxiety and worry about regular occurrences in everyday life. In Australia, GAD affects approximately 3-6% of the population and is most common during mid-life. The onset of GAD can be genetic or caused by prolonged stress or a traumatic experience.

Symptoms
Symptoms of anxiety can be classified as either mental (affecting the psyche) or somatic (affecting the body but excluding the psyche). Mental symptoms can be categorised as apprehension and vigilance, whilst somatic symptoms can be categorised as either motor-based or exaggerated physiological responses.

In order to meet diagnostic criteria for GAD, patients must suffer from persistent and uncontrollable apprehension, and the consequential somatic responses, for at least six months.

Common Treatments
Common treatments for GAD include:
 * Pharmacotherapy
 * Cognitive behaviour therapy
 * Hypnotherapy
 * Dietary modifications (elimination of caffeine and alcohol)

Exercise can be used in conjunction with these treatments to help minimise the symptoms of GAD.

Barriers to Exercise or Physical Activity
There are several factors that dictate the likelihood of a GAD patient adhering to an exercise regime:
 * Interest in the activity
 * Perception of physical activity and exercise (i.e. incidental physical activity)
 * Motivation
 * Fatigue
 * Low self-esteem
 * Mind control