Exercise Is Twice As Effective As Anti-Depressants At Treating Depression: Study

Amid ongoing concerns about mental health in the United States, a new study positions exercise as a significantly more effective treatment for depression compared to pharmaceutical alternatives.

A review titled “Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” published in the BMJ has provided evidence that physical activity is double as effective at managing symptoms of depression when evaluated against antidepressant medication. Conducted on 14,170 participants across 218 trials, this peer-reviewed research addresses a pressing need for effective mental health interventions.

Amidst a worrying upward trend in antidepressant prescriptions, which saw a 21% increase since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a call to refocus on holistic approaches to mental well-being. The surge in prescriptions particularly affects younger demographics facing unprecedented levels of mental health disorders.

Contrasting with pharmaceutical companies’ profit from medicinal sales for various conditions, including mental health, the study highlights the potential advantage of exercise in not only serving as a supplementary treatment but also as an alternative for many individuals. Findings demonstrate the efficacy of physical activities irrespective of one’s health conditions or severity of depression.

Remarkably, the research sheds light on dance as the most beneficial form of exercise due to its restorative properties in combating depressive symptoms. Previous studies have corroborated the efficacy of dance therapy, including its ability to enhance wellness by bolstering the immune system. Dance provides a comprehensive therapeutic modality that nurtures cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual aspects of health.

The implications of these findings are vast, suggesting that integrating regular physical activity into daily life could potentially decrease the dependency on medications for managing depression. The study’s outcomes invite health discussions on reconsidering current approaches and embedding alternative practices like exercise in standard mental healthcare protocols, potentially leading to healthier communities and a reduced burden on healthcare systems.