Depression: Try Exercise for Treatment

Guest post by Tracy Hartley, PT, DPT from A Doctor and a Nurse

Is exercise really an effective option for treating depression?

Depression afflicts nearly 1 in 10 Americans according to the CDC. And these stats are not just reflecting the number of people who say they are “sad, depressed, or stressed out.” A recent study showed that over 9% of 230,000 adult subjects across the United States actually met the diagnostic criteria for depression, 4% in the major depression category. Who tends to be most depressed? The following groups are more likely to meet the criteria for major depression:

• Persons 45 – 64 years old
• Blacks, Hispanics or persons of mixed race
• Women
• People unemployed
• Highs school dropouts
• People previously married

Depression is primarily treated through a multidisciplinary approach including primary care providers and mental health specialists after other medical causes are ruled out. A typical collaborative treatment approach for depression includes a combination of medication and/or mental health intervention. But what about prescribing exercise as a treatment for depression? Is exercise really effective for treating depression? Let’s look at the evidence:

1. Many studies have shown that people who exercise regularly experience few symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Numerous trials have shown that regular exercise of moderate intensity can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.
2. Two trials have found that 16 weeks of regular exercise is equally effective as a common class of antidepressant medication (SSRI’s) in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.
3. Research also shows that exercise can be an effective adjunct to medications in subjects that have only partially responded to medication alone or with major depression.
4. Aerobic and resistance strength training both have been shown to be helpful in the treatment of depression.

Not only does exercise play an important role in treating depression, it may be as effective as common antidepressants for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. The evidence suggests that exercise is a safe, effective, viable treatment approach for depression. Plus, there are no adverse side effects. Exercise should be the first line of defense and be considered as an adjunct to all types of depression therapy. Feeling down? Hit up the gym first and watch your mood change!

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Has hitting up the gym positively impacted your mood? Share your thoughts!

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