Exercise is shown in a number of clinical studies to benefit people who have ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc. You know one thing those studies do, though, that

Exercise is shown in a number of clinical studies to benefit people who have ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc. You know one thing those studies do, though, that we don't on HN? Screen every participant to make sure they qualify. Those screening tests take out people who don't meet clinical definitions of (ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc.), screen out people with physical problems that prevent them from completing the protocol, and then track participants. Exercise is good medicine, but it's not the only one -- and the parent post here points out that sometimes it isn't the answer at all. For an anecdote I'll pull out a friend diagnosed as "just depressed" -- stomach hurt, some tough family situations. "Exercise! It'll help!" All the running, swimming, rock climbing in the world didn't really help. You know what did? Two surgeries to take care of the endometriosis that wasn't diagnosed for 6 years. We're complex creatures. Try exercise: it's cheap, don't need a prescription, might have benefits esp if you form more social ties while you're at it. If it doesn't help, don't ignore that -- keep looking!