Researchers Say Exercise is More Effective Than Antidepressants

 

Exercise may be the best antidepressant.

What’s happening: Two recent systematic reviews found evidence that exercise can greatly improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Physical activity, especially high-intensity exercise, was 1.5 times more effective than counselling or leading medications in treating depression.
• Beneficial effects were reported across all clinical populations, with the greatest impact on those with major depressive disorder and those undergoing supervised exercise.

The researchers were clear in their conclusions: Physical activity is an evidence-based antidepressant and should be pursued as a “first-choice treatment.”

Movement as medicine. These findings strengthen the growing link between more movement and better mental health.

• Alzheimer’s researchers touted exercise as the “top theoretical treatment” for the disease.
• Physical activity was shown to improve mental health and behavioral issues among pre-teens.
• Moderate physical activity and walking cut the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia for senior women.