New Research Challenges the Use of Exercise for Mental Health Improvement
A recent study conducted by scientists in the Netherlands has raised questions about the effectiveness of exercise in treating depression and other mental health issues. The research compared the outcomes of depressed and/or anxious individuals who joined a running program to those who took a course of antidepressants. Surprisingly, both groups experienced a similar level of mental health improvement after several months.
The study, which is believed to be the first of its kind to directly compare exercise with antidepressants, involved 141 patients diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety. The participants were divided into two groups: one attended group-based running therapy twice a week, while the other took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), a common class of antidepressants. Each program lasted for 16 weeks.
By the end of the study period, around 44% of volunteers from each group experienced a significant enough improvement in their symptoms to be considered in remission. However, there were notable differences between the two groups. Those who exercised not only experienced greater physical health benefits, such as weight loss, improved blood pressure, and heart function, but they were also more likely to adhere to the program compared to those on antidepressants.
Despite exercise being the preferred choice for most participants, only 52% fully adhered to the running program, while 82% of those on antidepressants stayed on track. This suggests that many individuals may need additional support to maintain their exercise routine.
The findings, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, will be discussed at the annual meeting of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology. According to the study’s author, Brenda Penninx, both exercise and antidepressants can play a role in treating depression and anxiety, but each approach has its own considerations and challenges.
Penninx emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of antidepressants, stating that they work for most people. However, not all patients respond to them or are willing to take them. Therefore, expanding the treatment options available is important.
While exercise is an appealing alternative for many patients, the lower adherence rate seen in the study suggests that additional supervision and encouragement may be necessary to help individuals maintain their exercise routine.
Past research has shown that exercise has positive effects on mood and brain health. Regular exercise has even been linked to higher pain tolerance. However, whether exercise can truly be considered a depression treatment remains uncertain.
In summary, this new research challenges the narrative around using exercise for mental health improvement. While exercise can provide physical health benefits, antidepressants still hold value as a treatment for depression and anxiety. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive treatment arsenal that caters to individual preferences and needs. More support and supervision may be necessary for individuals who choose exercise as a form of therapy. Further research is needed to determine the true potential of exercise in treating depression.