Physical activity

Download page Download PDF

Although ADHD treatment is primarily focused on psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, there is emerging evidence to suggest that physical activity may have beneficial effects similar to those of psychostimulant medications, and more beneficial effects on some treatment outcomes compared to psychotherapies such as CBT [926, 927]. Research indicates that exercise interventions (frequent aerobic exercise in particular) may assist with the management of ADHD symptoms, particularly intrusive thoughts, worry, and impulsivity [928]. One meta-analysis has suggested that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, and inattention, and improves executive functioning among young boys aged 8 to 13 years with ADHD [929]. As such, exercise may be a useful adjunct to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for ADHD; however, this approach has yet to be rigorously evaluated in adults with co-occurring ADHD and AOD use [928].

Load Google CDN's jQuery, with a protocol relative URL and local fallback -->