Many Mental Health Patients Want Guidance on Physical Activity

Discussing physical activity or exercise programs may benefit patients with depression or anxiety, according to a recent survey, which found that most patients reported improved symptoms when physically active.

For their study, the researchers recruited adult patients and family members of patients visiting a mental health services clinic during peak hours on high volume patient days between September 2014 through December 2014. Those who participated in the survey (83%) were asked about their beliefs about, barriers to, and preferences for physical activity. The final analysis was restricted to 295 mental health service users.
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Overall, 84% of responders reported an association between physical activity and their mood or anxiety level. Despite this, less than of half responders met the physical activity guidelines, with the majority (52%) reporting that their mood limited their engagement in physical activity.

Although 85% of responders reported that they wanted to be more active, only 37% discussed their physical activity level with their mental health provider.

In addition, the researchers found that beliefs about the benefits of physical activity, mood, and wanting to be more active were significant predictors of physical activity.

“Most [mental health] outpatients may need and want assistance in increasing [physical activity], the researchers concluded. “Patient-centered research could inform the development of [physical activity] programs in [mental health] settings.”

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Janneya CA, Brzoznowskic KF, Richardsond CR, et al. Moving towards wellness: physical activity practices, perspectives, and preferences of users of outpatient mental health service [published online November 7, 2017]. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2017.07.004.