Overexercise - interesting article

I just came across an interesting article about obligatory or over-exercise, written by John Draeger, Alayne Yates, and Douglas Crowell and published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine Journal

From the introduction:
'A small group of patients are overly committed to their exercise routines, possibly to the detriment of their physical and psychological well-being. The concept of obligatory exercise is difficult to define, and its prevalence has not been extensively studied. Clinicians who are aware of behavioral and personality descriptors for obligatory exercisers can identify the problem and suggest treatment options. Treatment may follow guidelines similar to those for overtraining, addiction, compulsion, and eating disorders. Preventive measures lie in understanding exercisers' attitudes and beliefs about exercise and their bodies.'

The article's available free online.

Reference:
Draeger, J., Yates, A. and Crowell, D. (2005) The Obligatory Exerciser: Assessing an Overcommitment to Exercise. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 33, 6, JUNE 2005