Relationship between Baseline Physical Activity and Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder Treatment Outcomes

This retrospective study investigated patients' baseline physical activity and their response to treatment for general anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. Patients were categorized into two groups based on reported baseline exercise: those who engaged in moderate to high levels of exercise and those who engaged in low to minimal baseline levels of exercise. Age, sex, smoking status, and caffeine intake also were recorded. Baseline screening tools for depression and anxiety were collected at the initial visits and compared with follow-up visits (at 6-12 weeks and 12-24 weeks). No significant difference was found between baseline exercise with anxiety and depression treatment outcomes. Caffeine intake had a direct correlation with depression scores from baseline at 12 to 24 weeks. ObjectivesGeneralized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder often benefit from medication and psychotherapy. Our aim was to determine whether a correlation exists between patient baseline physical activity and response to treatment.MethodsThis was a retrospective study that included adult patients with anxiety and depression who received outpatient care for their conditions by providers in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Statistical analyses were used to analyze whether Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity scores as a measure of baseline exercise correlated to changes in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7-item scale (GAD-7) scores during treatment for anxiety or depression. Factors including age, sex, smoking status, and caffeine intake also were analyzed.ResultsWhen comparing change in GAD-7 or PHQ-9 scores from baseline to follow-up during treatment for anxiety or depression, there was no significant difference based on Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity scores. Caffeine intake had a direct correlation with PHQ-9 scores from baseline to 12 to 24 weeks but no correlation with GAD-7 scores.ConclusionsOverall, the amount of physical activity a patient participates in before anxiety or depression treatment does not appear to affect improvement outcomes. Caffeine intake may improve depression severity scores; however, further research is needed to assess whether this could be a part of future treatment plans.