Mental disorders are of major public health significance. It has been claimed that vigorous physical activity has positive effects on mental health in both clinical and nonclinical populations. This paper reviews the evidence for this claim and provides recommendations for future studies. The strongest evidence suggests that physical activity and exercise probably alleviate some symptoms associated with mild to moderate depression. The evidence also suggests that physical activity and exercise might provide a beneficial adjunct for alcoholism and substance abuse programs; improve self-image, social skills, and cognitive functioning; reduce the symptoms of anxiety; and alter aspects of coronary-prone (Type A) behavior and physiological response to stressors. The effects of physical activity and exercise on mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, and other aspects of mental health are not known. Negative psychological effects from exercise have also been reported. Recommendations for further research on the effects of physical activity and exercise on mental health are made.

The relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health.

Background It is only recently that comorbidity in ADHD has come to the forefront as one of the most important aspects of the disorder. It is agreed that, often, these problems are at least as important as ADHD in contributing to the longer term outcome in the individual child. Objective To provide the reader with basic information about clinics and treatment of comorbidity in ADHD. Method Review of the empirically based literature. Results ADHD exists in a surprisingly high frequency together with a broad range of child neuropsychiatric disorders. This is accompanied with many still unresolved treatment problems. Conclusion It would not be appropriate to develop ADHD–services where clinicians would only have expertise in ADHD as such. Anyone working with children, adolescents and adults with ADHD would need to have training in general neuropsychiatry. Further research in this field is urgently needed. (Less)

Co-existing disorders in ADHD -- implications for diagnosis and intervention.

The initial section of this paper presents a rationale for describing the development of anorexia nervosa in cognitive-behavioral terms. The limitations of conceptualizing the disorder simply as a behavioral pattern maintained by environmental contingencies or negative reinforcement are discussed. The remainder of the paper outlines a basic cognitive-behavioral model for intervention that is based on Beck's cognitive therapy. Recommendations particularly relevant to the management of anorexic clients are presented, including techniques for developing motivation for psychotherapy and for monitoring weight gain and food intake. Common irrational beliefs and systematic cognitive distortions are described. Assessment procedures and behavioral strategies that complement the cognitive approach are presented. Detailed examples are provided to illustrate the specific cognitive strategies that are recommended for evoking and modifying the irrational beliefs and assumptions of anorexic clients.

A cognitive-behavioral approach to anorexia nervosa

Turner's syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality in females, affecting 1:2,500 live female births. It is a result of absence of an X chromosome or the presence of a structurally abnormal X chromosome. Its most consistent clinical features are short stature and ovarian failure. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that adults with Turner's syndrome are also susceptible to a range of disorders, including osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, and renal and gastrointestinal disease. Women with Turner's syndrome have a reduced life expectancy, and recent evidence suggests that this is due to an increased risk of aortic dissection and ischemic heart disease. Up until recently, women with Turner's syndrome did not have access to focused health care, and thus quality of life was reduced in a significant number of women. All adults with Turner's syndrome should therefore be followed up by a multidisciplinary team to improve life expectancy and reduce morbidity.

/pdf/turner-s-syndrome-in-adulthood-459srk7cap.pdf

Turner’s Syndrome in Adulthood

The prevalence of high-level exercise in the eating disorders: Etiological implications☆

Hyperactivity in anorexia nervosa: A fundamental clinical feature

• We report the ninth documented coincidence of anorexia nervosa and XO gonadal dysgenesis (Turner syndrome) and the second confirmed coincidence of anorexia nervosa and XO/XX (mosaic) gonadal dysgenesis. Three other women who had anorexia nervosa and clinical stigmata of gonadal dysgenesis, but who were not karyotyped, are also described. We thus consider the possibility that patients with gonadal dysgenesis are at special risk for anorexia nervosa and discuss hypotheses to explain such a relationship.

Leo Kron

Papers

Hyperactivity in anorexia nervosa: A fundamental clinical feature

Anorexia Nervosa and Gonadal Dysgenesis Further Evidence of a Relationship