Primary prevention
Physical activity has been suggested as a preventive mechanism for GAD. A meta-analysis of prospective studies found that patients with higher self-reported physical activity had significantly reduced odds of developing an incident anxiety disorder, compared with lower self-reported physical activity, but subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant effect on the incidence of GAD.[43]
In children with a risk factor for an anxiety disorder (parental anxiety) there is evidence that preventive cognitive behavioral therapy interventions are associated with a reduction in anxiety symptoms, as well as with a reduced risk of developing an anxiety disorder.[44][45]
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