Exercise addiction/dependence
Exercise is a positive habit, but addiction/dependence can occur – defined as an unhealthy reliance on exercise for daily functioning. Often considered as a “positive” addiction rather than the “negative” addiction of drugs or alcohol but can become negative if injury occurs or it starts to interfere with mental health, work or relationships.
Three key characteristics:
1) Feeling that the exercise is necessary in order to feel good – often comment that they “did not have a good workout” (dependence)
2) More and more exercise is needed to achieve this feeling (tolerance)
3) Withdrawal symptoms (eg depression, irritability, restlessness, fell guilty and tense)
Marathon and ultra-marathon runners have been shown to have higher exercise dependence scores compared to shorter distance and non-competitive runners . In another study, ballet dancers where shown to have a higher exercise dependence than female runners .
Cause is not known, but may be related to the natural production of endorphins (similar to opiate endorphins) – the so-called “runners high”. Serotonin has also been suggested as a factor. It could also be just a psychological response – exercise is ‘time out’ from normal concerns and activities and also provides a sense of mastery and improved self-esteem.
Consequences of exercise addiction chronic overuse injury, relationship and employment problems, eating disorders and psychopathology. Not more likely to be involved with other addictions, such as drugs or gambling. It has been suggested that this may be a manifestation of a deeper problem, such as obsessive-compulsive behaviour.
Management of injury in these people is problematic – need to use substitute activities and psychological support.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-018-1011-4
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