Optimizing Exercise for the Treatment of Anxiety

Organization
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Principal Investigator
Kristin Szuhany
Eligibility Criteria
  • Individuals ages 18-65
  • High anxiety sensitivity
  • Currently sedentary 
  • Body mass index ≤ 35
  • Able and willing to provide informed consent
     
Exclusion Criteria
  • Lifetime history of Bipolar I or II or any psychotic disorder
  • Bulimia or anorexia in the past 6 months
  • Substance use disorder in the past 3 months
  • Current PTSD 
  • High current suicide risk 
  • Risk for exercise according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire with excluded active medical conditions including heart conditions, lung disease, bone/joint problems, or seizures 
  • Women who are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the duration of the study
  • Participation in concurrent evidence-based therapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) targeting anxiety and/or depression (supportive therapy and couples therapy are allowed)
  • Participants on psychiatric medication must be on a stable dose for ≥8 weeks prior to participation 
  • Participants taking beta blockers will be excluded due to their effects on heart rate
  • Current substance abuse or positive urine toxicology screen (recreational use of marijuana may be permitted)
Location
NYU Langone
State
NY
Study End Date