TITLE: Running as Effective as Medication for Treating Depression, Study Finds
DATE: October 6, 2023
By Adriana Diaz
A new European study suggests that running may be as effective as medication for treating depression. The study, conducted by researchers from Vrije University in Amsterdam, compared the effects of group running and antidepressant medication on 141 patients suffering from depression and anxiety.
Participants were given the option to choose either a group run two to three times a week or take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants for 16 weeks. After the study period, the mental and physical health of the participants was examined.
The study found that both interventions helped with depression to a similar extent. Around 44 percent of participants reported feeling better after 16 weeks, whether they engaged in regular running or took antidepressant medication.
Interestingly, running had additional health benefits for participants. It improved their weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and heart function. On the other hand, individuals who took antidepressants tended to become less fit.
Professor Brenda Penninx, who presented the findings at a recent Neuropsychopharmacology conference in Barcelona, emphasized the importance of improving mental health without negatively affecting physical health. She noted that antidepressants had a worse impact on body weight, heart rate variability, and blood pressure compared to running.
However, the study also highlighted the challenges of maintaining a running routine. Only 52 percent of the runners stuck to the plan, while 82 percent of those taking the pills were able to adhere. Penninx stated that despite the significant benefits of exercise, carrying through with a regular exercise routine can be difficult for many individuals.
The study aimed to address the sedentary lifestyle often associated with depression and anxiety by encouraging people to engage in outdoor activities and group exercise. Penninx emphasized the need for proper supervision and encouragement when implementing exercise therapy in mental health care institutions.
The researchers also found that individuals in the antidepressant group were more depressed, which might have influenced their willingness to engage in exercise. Penninx stressed the importance of expanding treatment options for depression beyond medication, as not all patients respond to or are willing to take antidepressants.
The study concludes that exercise therapy should be taken more seriously as a viable treatment option for depression, alongside medication. With nearly 1 in 5 US adults diagnosed with depression and increasing rates of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts among teens, the study sheds light on the potential benefits of physical activity for mental health.
In summary, the study suggests that running can be just as effective as medication for treating depression and improving overall health. However, further research and support systems are needed to encourage individuals to maintain a regular exercise routine.