Exercise Addiction

Question 1

What is addiction?

Answer 1

A process that either provides pleasure or provides relief from internal discomfort

Question 2

What is exercise addiction?

Answer 2

A disorder characterised by excessive physical activity leading to withdrawal symptoms without participation.

Question 3

What is exercise dependence?

Answer 3

A craving for leisure time physical activity manifesting in physiological and psychological symptoms.

Question 4

What are the withdrawal symptoms from exercise addiction?

Answer 4

1. Restlessness
2. Irritability
3. Mood and appetite changes
4. Insomnia
5. Feelings of guilt

Question 5

Is it possible to have addictions that are positive?

Answer 5

Glasser 1976 says yes however, this view was discredited. Even something as healthy as exercise can be seen as a behavioural dysfunction.

Question 6

What are the stats on exercise addiction?

Answer 6

3.2% of marathon runners
26% male and 15% female runners
52% of triathletes

Question 7

Is there a difference between exercise addiction in team and individual sport participants?

Answer 7

No. addiction is equal in both

Question 8

Can a questionnaire diagnose exercise addiction?

Answer 8

No, because it is a screening tool it is not diagnostic

Question 9

Why is classifying addiction difficult?

Answer 9

Every study uses different criteria to classify addiction.

Question 10

What are the two main scales used to measure addiction?

Answer 10

Exercise Dependence Scale

Exercise addiction inventory

Question 11

How common is exercise addiction?

Answer 11

2-3% very low

Question 12

What is the physiological explanation for exercise addiction?

Answer 12

Runners high - intense feeling of euphoria 60%Vo2max for 3 minutes

Basal heart rate - Aerobic exercise leads to a lower resting heart rate which leads to lower arousal which initiates the individual to do something to increase arousal and optimal functioning

Question 13

What is the psychophysiological explanation for exercise addiction?

Answer 13

Thermogenic regulation hypothesis - the increase in body temp leads to relaxation

Question 14

WHat is the psychological explanation for exercise addiction?

Answer 14

Cognitive appraisal - means of coping with stress

Affect regulation - increases positive emotions

Behaviourist explanation

Question 15

What is the behaviourist explanation for exercise addiction?

Answer 15

Negative reinforcement by avoiding withdrawals.

Positive reinforcement through runners high

Question 16

What are the exercise addiction co-morbidities?

Answer 16

Eating disorders - though we do not know which is the primary disorder

Question 17

What are the treatments for exercise addiction?

Answer 17

• Psychotherapy
• Support groups
• Structured exercise regime

Question 18

Treatments for exercise addiction according to Berger 2002

Answer 18

o 3-4 times per week 30-60 mins
o Interval training
o Partner who is not addicted
o Scheduled rest days
o If injured complete recovery before recommenging
o Realistic goals and time frames to meet

Question 19

What percentage below the body weight norm is considered anorexia?

Answer 19

15%

Question 20

What is the criteria for Bulimia?

Answer 20

o Recurrent binge eataing
o Sense of lacking control
o Self induced vomiting, laxative dieting , fasting or exercise to prevet weght gain
o Miniumun of 2 binge-eating episodes a week for 3 months
o Concern with body weight or shape

Question 21

Would most athletes take drugs if they could win and not get caught?

Answer 21

Yes, 98% would

Question 22

What percentage of athletes would take a drug if it guaranteed winning (without getting caught) and it would kill them in 5 years?

Answer 22

60%

Question 23

Signs of substance abuse

Answer 23

 Changes in behaviour – motivation absenteeism
 Changes in peer group
 Major changes in personality
 Major changes in academic or athletic performance
 Apathetic behaviours (loss of interest)
 Impaired judgement
 Poor coordination
 Poor hygiene
 Muscle twitches or tremors