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Health Condition Library Diseases A-Z Depression and Exersie
Health Condition Library Diseases A-Z Depression and Exersie | Depression and Exersie |
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| Written by Dr Margaret | |
| Oct 01, 2008 at 02:24 PM | |
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Treating Depression with Exercise Depression Can be Helped by Exercise There are many studies which demonstrate that exercise improves depression. Norwegian researchers published a study in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry in 2008 which demonstrated significant improvement in depression with regular exercise. They conclude that physical exercise can have great potential in prevention and treatment of depression. There is growing evidence that physically active people are at a reduced risk of developing depression, and that exercise is associated with significant benefits for patients with mild to moderate forms of depression as well as in reducing anxiety. These findings have led to the proposal that exercise may serve as an alternative or a supplement to traditional forms of therapy. The Journal of Neural Transmission August 23, 2008 also reports that physical activity and exercise have positive effects on mood and anxiety and a great number of studies describe an association of physical activity and general well-being, mood and anxiety. In line, intervention studies describe an anxiety-reducing and ant depressive activity of exercise in healthy subjects and patients. The article reviewed the currently available research with respect to (1) the association of physical activity, exercise and the prevalence and incidence of depression and anxiety disorders and (2) the potential therapeutic activity of exercise training in patients with depression or anxiety disorders. Although the association of physical activity and the prevalence of mental disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders have been repeatedly described, only few studies examined the association of physical activity and mental disorders prospectively. Reduced incidence rates of depression and (some) anxiety disorders in exercising subjects raise the question whether exercise may be used in the prevention of some mental disorders. Besides case series and small uncontrolled studies, recent well controlled studies suggest that exercise training may be clinically effective, at least in major depression and panic disorder. Although, the evidence for positive effects of exercise and exercise training on depression and anxiety is growing, the clinical use, at least as an addition to established treatment approaches like psychotherapy or medication is still at the beginning. Further studies on the clinical effects of exercise, interaction with standard treatment approaches and details on the optimal type, intensity, frequency and duration may further support the clinical administration in patients. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge on how to best deal with depression and anxiety related symptoms which hinder patients to participate and benefit from exercise training.Depressed patients are best starting with small amounts of exercise eg 5min per day, and building up by 5 minutes per week until they reach a MINIMUM of 30minutes daily, preferably more. Outdoor exercise id also preferred as sunlight has also been shown to aid in the treatment of depression. References1. J Neural Transmission. 2008 Aug 23.Physical activity, exercise, depression and anxiety disorders. Ströhle A.Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany,
. Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression. Martinsen EW.Clinic for Mental Health, Aker University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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| Last Updated ( Oct 01, 2008 at 02:25 PM ) |
