Individuals at Risk of Exercise Addiction Have Higher Scores for Depression, ADHD, and Childhood Trauma

Bibliographic Data

ID5285855
AuthorsFlora Colledge (0000-0001-5406-7276, University of Basel, corresponding author), Ursula Buchner, Ursula Gisela Buchner (0000-0002-1647-9867, Hochschule für Gesundheit & Sport, Technik & Kunst), André Schmidt (0000-0001-6055-8397, University of Basel), Gerhard Wiesbeck, Gerhard A Wiesbeck (University of Basel), Undine E Lang (0000-0002-3585-6533, University of Basel), Undine Lang, Uwe Pühse (0000-0003-1228-316X, University of Basel), Markus Gerber (0000-0001-6140-8948, University of Basel), Marc Walter (0000-0002-2238-2017, University of Basel)
Year2022
Volume3
Pages761844-761844
Publication date2022-01-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2021.761844
PMID35156014
OpenAlexW4210307302
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited50

BackgroundExercise addiction is increasingly being recognized as a psychologically and physically burdensome set of symptoms. However, little is known about the psychiatric profiles of individuals who are at risk. It is well-established that individuals affected by substance use disorders frequently suffer from depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and experiences of childhood trauma. The aim of this study is to determine whether this pattern of psychiatric disturbance is also present in individuals at risk for exercise addiction.MethodsIndividuals exercising for 10+ h/week were divided into those at risk and not at risk for exercise addiction based on their scores on the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS). Demographic data and scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), a measure for ADHD in adults and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) were also gathered.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-three individuals agreed to participate in the study, and completed the questionnaires. Twenty-nine (23.6%) of these individuals were classed as at risk for exercise addiction. There was a statistically significant difference between the at-risk and not at-risk groups on the combined dependent variable after controlling for hours of exercise per week, F(3, 95)= 10.198, p = 0.00, Wilk's Λ = 0.756, partial η2 = 0.244. Compared to those not at risk, individuals at risk for exercise addiction had significantly higher scores for symptoms of depression [t(121) = 4.944, p = 0.000], ADHD [t(121) = 2.915, p = 0.004], and childhood trauma [t(121) = 2.297, p = 0.024].ConclusionOur results suggest that exercise addiction may be accompanied by a disturbed psychiatric profile consistent with other addictive disorders. Clinical interviewing in individuals at risk for exercise addiction is a valuable and worthwhile next step in characterizing this phenomenon

Addiction · Anxiety · Beck Depression Inventory · CTQ tree · Depression (economics · Injury prevention · Poison control · Psychiatry · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Medicine · Psychology

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