this post was submitted on 10 Feb 2026
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A key technique of cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder is interoceptive exposure, where patients learn to tolerate the physical effects of panic attacks through repeated simulated exposure. Now, scientists have shown in a randomized controlled trial that brief intermittent intensive exercise is more effective at reducing the severity of panic disorder than relaxation therapy.

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[–] Someonelol@lemmy.dbzer0.com 19 points 1 month ago

Who would have thought flight during stressful situations would actually help lower their panic? Seems a little counterintuitive, acting on an immediate survival mechanism.

[–] TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world 17 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Which is great because now you can just panic exercise.

[–] captainlezbian@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago

That was a vital step of getting out of panic attacks before I got my anti anxiety meds under control

[–] village604@adultswim.fan 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Might as well put your high heart rate to use!

[–] TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago

high heart rate

If you heart rate is high enough, all exercise is panic exercise.

[–] LodeMike@lemmy.today 11 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

How much of this is the beef and how much is the excercise. I'm going to assume 0,100%.

[–] otp@sh.itjust.works 10 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Lmao did you read it as "beef [and] exercise" help with panic disorders?

[–] LodeMike@lemmy.today 10 points 1 month ago (1 children)
[–] itsprobablyfine@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Props for not deleting. I love this

[–] LodeMike@lemmy.today 7 points 1 month ago

Thought it'd be helpful for someone who made the same mistake

[–] finalarbiter@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 1 month ago

That's cool bc my body can't tell the difference between cardio and a life-threatening situation

[–] village604@adultswim.fan 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

It's been pretty well known for a while now that regular exercise is highly beneficial to many mental illnesses. There's even been studies showing it having a higher efficacy in treating depression than SSRIs (a pretty low bar to clear, tbh).

But it's a catch 22 since low energy/motivation is a common symptom of the mental illnesses it helps.

In my anecdotal experience I definitely start feeling more depressed when I get off track with my workouts (which creates a vicious downward spiral if I don't force myself to get back on track).