Efeitos da atividade física e do exercício físico na prevenção e redução de transtornos de ansiedade e depressão em adultos jovens

Abstract

Objective: To identify the main factors that lead young people to develop anxiety and depressive disorders and how physical activity and physical exercise can reduce and/or prevent these disorders. Method: Bibliographic research in the Sport and Health Sciences line. The database of the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) was used, with publications from the last 3 years, according to the PICo strategy and the descriptors anxiety, depression, physical exercise and mental health. Results: It was identified that the main causes of anxiety and depression in young people are due to several internal and environmental factors, which influence in a psychological and physical way in the lives of these individuals. The disorders are more prevalent in women accompanied by a high rate of comorbidities. Physical exercise and physical activity proved to be effective as a non-pharmacological treatment to reduce and stabilize symptoms of anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Physical exercise has been shown to be effective in controlling high levels of anxiety-state. This can be especially beneficial for students with a higher anxiety stage, usually associated with external factors such as pressures associated with their studies and other assignments.