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Chapter 10 - How to Treat Exercise Addiction

Psychological Interventions and New Pharmacological Perspectives

from Section 1 - From Exercise to Addiction: An Introduction to the Phenomenon

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2023

By
Ilaria De Luca ,
Attilio Negri  and
Giuseppe Bersani
Edited by
Ornella Corazza  and
Artemisa Rocha Dores
Ornella Corazza
Affiliation:
University of Hertfordshire and University of Trento, Italy
Artemisa Rocha Dores
Affiliation:
Polytechnic Institute of Porto and University of Porto, Portugal
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Summary

Exercise addiction (EA) is probably the most ‘hidden’ of the behavioural addictions. In a society in which a fit body is normally considered to be a symptom of a healthy lifestyle and success, the assessment and treatment of a maladaptive and health-threatening pattern of exercise may be challenging for healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the lack of guidance and literature on the topic may represent an additional complication on the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway. Although EA is not included in the DSM-5, it is mandatory to inform clinicians about it, as well as other healthcare providers (e.g., psychotherapists, physiotherapists), in order to better identify early signs of such an addiction and prevent injuries or other serious effects on physical or mental health. This chapter provides information on the aetiological basis of EA as well as a compendium of psychological and pharmacological interventions.

Keywords

behavioural addictionsexercise addictionfitspirationtreatment
Type
Chapter
Information
The Body in the Mind
Exercise Addiction, Body Image and the Use of Enhancement Drugs
 , pp. 145 - 162
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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