Diagnostic criteria of exercise addiction

Diagnostic criteria for exercise addiction

There are many terms in literature used with compulsive exercise or exercise addiction, "exercise dependence" is actually the preferred term. In 1987, de Coverly Veale proposed some diagnostic criteria for exercise dependence using features of a dependence syndrome:

A narrowing of repartee, leading to a stereotyped pattern of exercise with a regular schedule, once or more daily;Salience with the individual; giving increased priority over other activities to maintain the pattern of exercise, obviously giving up other things in life so that they can maintain their exercise;Increased tolerance to the amount of exercise performed over the years;Withdrawal symptoms related to a disorder of mood, following a cessation of the exercise schedule;Relief or avoidance of withdrawal symptoms by further exercise;Subjective awareness of a compulsion to exercise;Rapid reinstatement of the previous pattern of exercise and withdrawal after a period of abstinence.

Additional Associated Features:

Either the individual continues to exercise despite a serious physical disorder known to be caused, aggravated, or prolonged by exercise and is advised as such by a health professional;The individual has argumentative difficulties with his/hers partner, family, friends or occupation;The self-inflicted loss of weight by dieting is as a means towards improving performance.

Someone diagnosed with 'exercise dependence' should seek professional psychological help i.e counselling, also it would be advisable to have a medical assessments as over exercise can have harmfull implication to one's health.

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