Web-based psychotherapy and exercise interventions for depressive and anxiety disorders

Roberta Frontini, researcher at ciTechCare and lecturer at the School of Health at the Polytechnic of Leiria (#ESSLei) and at the School of Arts and Design (#ESAD.CR), was the author of the book chapter “Web-Based Psychotherapy and Exercise Interventions for Depressive and Anxiety Disorders”, together with Lara Carneiro (University of Maia), José Afonso (Faculty of Sports, University of Porto) and Filipe M. Clemente (School of Sports and Leisure, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo), in the book Digital Therapies in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health (Chap-5, pp. 93-114).
 
Considering the recognition that mental and physical well-being are related in people with anxiety disorders and depression, as well as the impact that exercise has on psychological interventions, there has been a growing interest in this area. Furthermore, the study of online interventions and online counseling, which could be an alternative to face-to-face therapies, is becoming more and more important.
 
In this chapter the authors reflect, identify and summarise investigations around online psychotherapy and the use of physical exercise in people with anxiety disorders and depression. Strategies to improve the adherence of these patients to the proposed treatments are also discussed.