New research suggests physical activity may ease anxiety within hours for people living with bipolar disorder (BD) or major depressive disorder (MDD). Published in Psychiatry Research, the study drew on 14 days of mobile-based mood tracking from 459 participants, capturing emotional states four times daily.
Exercise was linked to a significant drop in subsequent anxiety among those with BD or MDD, an effect seen in both men and women, though it didn’t extend to changes in energy, activation, or sadness. Interestingly, participants under 45 showed the opposite pattern—reporting increased anxiety and sadness after exercise—suggesting age may shape how physical activity affects mood.
Researchers say further study is needed in younger populations to understand these dynamics. Read the full report from Psychiatry Advisor.