Exercise for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Jasper A. J. Smits, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He is an expert in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, and he has been at the forefront of research investigating both the mechanism and dissemination of successful cognitive-behavioral treatment strategies. He has also specialized in the link between anxiety, illness, and health behaviors (e.g., exercise, smoking); and the evaluation of novel treatment strategies for anxiety patients. His research is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and he has published over 50 scientific works, including a recent co-edited book entitled 'Anxiety in Health Behaviors and Physical Illness.' His current exercise routine includes regular running, tennis, and biking. He recently completed his first triathlon, and is planning more. Michael W. Otto, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center forAnxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University. He specializes in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Dr. Otto's research focuses on difficult-to-treat populations, including the application of cognitive-behavioral strategies to patients who have failed to respond to previous interventions, as well as developing novel strategies for bipolar disorder and substance use disorders. He has published over 250 scientific articles, chapters, and books spanning his research interests, and was recently identified as a 'top producer' in the clinical empirical literature. Dr. Otto is past President of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (formerly AABT), a fellow of the American Psychological Association, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. For exercise, he current devotes effort to indoor rock climbing, outdoor running, and occasional time in the swimming pool.

• 1. Introductory Information for Therapists ; 2. Preparing for the Exercise Prescription ; 3. The Exercise Prescription ; 4. Exercise for Depressed Mood ; 5. Exercise for Stress, Worry, and Panic ; 6. Therapy Issues ; Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (Clinician-Rated) ; Anxiety Sensitivity Index ; References ; About the Authors