MHM Magazine

There are many benefits of exercise on mental and physical health. Exercise has been shown to assist with cognition, improve motor skills and coordination, as well as assist in improving the side effects of medication, namely of ADHD and in the management of comorbidities associated with ADHD. While the benefits of regular exercise are numerous, when it comes to ADHD in particular, it has several notable positive effects. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts attention, impulse control, and executive function. It is characterised by inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Symptoms differ from person to person. The cardinal symptoms of inattentive ADHD encompass distractibility, forgetfulness, poor organisational skills and low perseverance; whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity are associated with impatience for delayed rewards, difficulties in inhibition of untimely and inappropriate motor responses along with an inability to dampen motor activities to appropriate levels for a given situation. When left untreated, a person with ADHD may find it hard to maintain attention, control their impulses, and manage their energy levels. Various methods can be employed to effectively treat ADHD, including medication, behavioral management techniques and other strategies, that may involve exercise. Research has shown that exercise and medicine are very similar in nature, given that they must both be explicitly prescribed in an exact dosage specific to the individual. The same research states that to reap the benefits, you need to exercise in the correct manner and engage in the appropriate treatment dose. The benefits of exercise for ADHD may or may not seem obvious – it tires you out and keeps you active. However, ADHD and exercise link in many ways, with evidence suggesting that physical activity can reduce difficult ADHD symptoms, including aiding in emotional regulation, providing an outlet for pent-up hyperactivity and boosting low dopamine levels. For this reason, it’s important to understand the benefits of exercise, particularly when it comes to ADHD. But what are the benefits of exercise on ADHD? If a patient is uncertain as to whether exercise does help ADHD, ask them to consider implementing an exercise routine to experience the benefits. Here are some of the main benefits of exercising with ADHD. Improved executive function Some research suggests that regular exercise can improve executive function in those with ADHD. Executive dysfunction in ADHD can result in difficulties paying attention, managing time, organising and planning, and working memory. Often impacting work and school performance and causing conflict in relationships. Physical activity can activate the same brain areas responsible for impulsivity, working memory and cognitive flexibility. Individuals with ADHD can in turn experience increased clarity and focus. Therefore, in kids and adults with ADHD, regular exercise can be a promising adjunct treatment method for improving executive function, which is one of the main skill groups affected by the condition. Reduced hyperactivity Hyperactivity can interfere with daily living, with many individuals feeling restless and fidgety. Children may struggle to sit still in class, while adults with ADHD may appear run by a “motor” or talk over others. Regular exercise can help individuals manage hyperactivity at any age by providing an outlet for excessive/ pent- up energy. Research suggests that exercise offers several benefits for children with ADHD, including less aggressive behaviors, improvements in anxiety and depression and fewer thought and social problems. Emotional regulation Individuals with ADHD may experience emotional dysregulation. In many cases their responses seem disproportionate to the cause. In the long-term these difficulties can exacerbate relationship conflict or lead to impulsive behavior. Exercise has a positive effect on the limbic system, which regulates emotions. Regular exercise also raises the baseline levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, providing a sense of calm and clarity. This in turn, contributes to a general sense of wellbeing by regulating anxiety, mood, aggression, appetite and sleep. Natalie Montjoie Operations Manager The Goldilocks and the Bear Foundation ADHD AND EXERCISE MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 2 | Crisis Intervention Skills for Doctors MHM Issue 2 | 2024 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 7 MHM