Yes, many symptoms of anxiety can be exacerbated during exercise and slightly afterward. However, the effects are temporary[1] and will usually subside. Moreover, awareness of the physical signs of anxiety may actually decrease[2] after settling into an exercise routine, which could mitigate distress in people with anxiety. These two points are especially important to keep in mind for people suffering from panic disorder, since awareness of rapid heart rate is one of the symptoms of a panic attack. However, one small study[3] found that exercise did not induce panic in most people with panic disorder in the sample. But it does seem that people with panic disorder may avoid exercise,[4] possibly due to its perceived risks of triggering an attack.
References
- ^Bibeau WS, Moore JB, Mitchell NG, Vargas-Tonsing T, Bartholomew JBEffects of acute resistance training of different intensities and rest periods on anxiety and affectJ Strength Cond Res.(2010 Aug)
- ^Broman-Fulks JJ, Berman ME, Rabian BA, Webster MJEffects of aerobic exercise on anxiety sensitivityBehav Res Ther.(2004 Feb)
- ^Stein JM, Papp LA, Klein DF, Cohen S, Simon J, Ross D, Martinez J, Gorman JMExercise tolerance in panic disorder patientsBiol Psychiatry.(1992 Aug 1)
- ^Broocks A, Meyer TF, Bandelow B, George A, Bartmann U, Rüther E, Hillmer-Vogel UExercise avoidance and impaired endurance capacity in patients with panic disorderNeuropsychobiology.(1997)