Can exercise help people with depression and anxiety disorders? A new study says that it may be a matter of genetics, reports USA Today. Apparently, according to researchers at Vrije University in Amsterdam, people who are mentally healthy have genes that make them more likely to exercise.

The study, conducted with 7,200 twins and 1,200 of their siblings over an 11-year period showed that changes in exercise did not correlate with any changes, for better or worse, in mental health. Lead researcher Eco DeGeus told USA Today, "I'm not saying exercise might not help someone's mood. But it also may not work at all." The study was presented at the American Psychosomatic Society's annual meeting.

Other studies have shown different results. At the same meeting, another study was presented showing that people who do not exercise have a 49% higher chances of having a psychiatric disorder than people who do not. Simon Bacon, the scientist who presented this study, said that genes probably play a role in the "emotional payoff" one gets from exercise.

What do you think? Has exercise helped you with panic disorder?