A recent study utilizing data from the National Survey of Children’s Health has revealed a troubling link between physical inactivity in children and increased rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The findings, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, highlight that children facing these developmental disorders experience significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to their neurotypical peers, regardless of their physical activity levels.
Understanding ASD and ADHD
ASD and ADHD are among the most commonly diagnosed developmental disorders in childhood.
Worldwide, ADHD affects approximately 5 to 7 percent of children, while autism impacts around 1 to 2 percent.
Characteristics of ASD include challenges in social interactions, communication issues, and repetitive behaviors, often alongside unique strengths in sensory processing and learning.
ADHD is defined by persistent problems with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors, which can disrupt daily functioning and overall development.
Research Findings and Implications
In addition to ASD and ADHD, school-aged children with these conditions often deal with higher rates of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Recent analyses suggest that adolescents aged 12 to 17 who are diagnosed with autism or ADHD are up to ten times more likely to experience anxiety and depression than their peers without these disorders.
The research, led by Amy L. Accardo and her team, aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and the occurrence of anxiety and depression among adolescents with autism and ADHD.
The researchers focused on the critical age group of 12 to 17, as this period is well-known for the onset of various mental health problems.
To gather their data, the researchers relied on the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), a comprehensive federally representative survey that collects information on children in the U.S. from birth to age 17.
Conducted annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this survey included responses from adult members of households with a total of 71,973 children surveyed between 2016 and 2020.
The analysis evaluated formal diagnoses of autism and ADHD, levels of physical activity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Results indicated a noticeable trend in which children experiencing anxiety exhibited lower levels of physical activity, regardless of whether they had autism or ADHD.
Approximately 69 percent of children with autism who were physically inactive—defined as not participating in any physical activity during the week—reported experiencing anxiety.
In comparison, only 55 percent of those engaging in physical activities at least once a week reported similar feelings.
Among children with ADHD, 42 percent of those who were inactive also reported experiencing anxiety, compared to 40 percent who participated in physical activity 1 to 3 days a week and 32 percent who were active 4 to 7 days a week.
For neurotypical children, anxiety was reported by 16 percent of those not engaging in physical activity, while the rates decreased to 10 percent for those active 1 to 3 days a week and 7 percent for those exercising 4 to 7 days a week.
Conclusion and Future Research
The study further revealed an inverse relationship between physical activity levels and rates of depression.
Among children with autism, the depression rate was 39 percent for those who were physically inactive but decreased to 29 percent for those active 1 to 3 days per week and 23 percent for those engaging 4 to 7 days a week.
A similar trend was observed in children with ADHD, though the depression rates were somewhat lower.
In contrast, only 12 percent of inactive neurotypical children reported depression, which further dropped to 6 percent for those active 1 to 3 days a week and 4 percent for those exercising 4 to 7 days a week.
The authors of the study concluded that there is a significant association between levels of physical activity and lower reported cases of anxiety and depression among children with autism, ADHD, and neurotypical children.
They emphasized the need for further investigation into the causal relationships between physical activity, anxiety, and depression, advocating for the integration of mental health screenings and support for children with autism and ADHD.
However, the study’s design has limitations that prevent definitive causal conclusions.
It is possible that while increased physical activity may help reduce anxiety and depression, these mental health challenges could in turn inhibit children’s motivation or opportunities to engage in physical activity.
Further factors remain to be explored to fully understand these complex associations.
“`htmlStudy Details:
- Title: Greater Physical Activity is Associated with Lower Rates of Anxiety and Depression Among Autistic and ADHD Youth: National Survey of Children’s Health 2016–2020
- Authors: Amy L. Accardo, Nancy M. H. Pontes, Manuel C. F. Pontes
- Journal: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06117-0