Exercise Surpasses Medication and Therapy in Treating Depression and Anxiety

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine emphasizes the significant role of exercise in managing mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. Analyzing over 1,000 research trials, the study reveals that engaging in 150 minutes of physical activity per week can substantially reduce mental health disorders. Surprisingly, exercise was found to be 1.5 times more effective than medication or cognitive behavioral therapy, offering additional advantages such as lower costs, fewer side effects, and improved physical health. Despite these findings, exercise is often considered an “alternative” treatment in clinical settings. It is crucial for individuals with mental health conditions to collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate exercise alongside other therapies.

Exercise has emerged as a powerful and effective tool for managing mental health conditions, proving to be 1.5 times more effective than medication or therapy. Unfortunately, exercise is frequently overlooked in favor of conventional treatments. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with mental health conditions to work closely with healthcare professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans.

The world is currently facing a mental health crisis, with millions of people experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Recent estimates suggest that nearly half of all Australians will encounter a mental health condition at some point in their lives.

Mental health disorders pose significant costs to individuals and society, with depression and anxiety ranking among the leading causes of health-related disease burden. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, resulting in a substantial increase in psychological distress affecting one-third of the population.

While traditional treatments, such as therapy and medication, can be effective, new research highlights the importance of exercise in managing these conditions.

A comprehensive study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, examined over 1,000 research trials investigating the effects of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. The findings demonstrated that exercise is an effective approach to treating mental health issues, surpassing the effectiveness of medication or counseling.

The review encompassed 97 papers and involved 1,039 trials with 128,119 participants. It revealed that engaging in 150 minutes of various physical activities per week, such as brisk walking, weightlifting, and yoga, significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and psychological distress compared to standard care, including medications.

The study found that the most significant improvements were reported by individuals with depression, HIV, kidney disease, pregnant and postpartum women, and healthy individuals. However, clear benefits were observed across all populations.

Furthermore, the study indicated that the intensity of exercise plays a role in its effectiveness. Higher-intensity activities, like brisk walking, yield greater benefits than moderate-intensity exercises. Engaging in exercise for six to 12 weeks demonstrated the most substantial improvements, highlighting the importance of long-term exercise for maintaining mental health.

When comparing the magnitude of benefits, previous systematic reviews suggest that exercise is approximately 1.5 times more effective than medication or cognitive behavior therapy for mental health conditions.

Moreover, exercise offers additional advantages over medications, including reduced costs, fewer side effects, and physical health improvements such as weight management, cardiovascular health, bone health, and cognitive benefits.

Exercise is believed to impact mental health through various pathways, both in the short and long term. Immediately after exercise, the brain releases endorphins and dopamine, which contribute to mood enhancement and stress reduction. Over time, exercise induces changes in the brain that promote improved mood, cognition, decreased inflammation, and enhanced immune function, all of which influence mental health.

Regular exercise also leads to improved sleep, which plays a critical role in managing depression and anxiety. Additionally, exercise provides psychological benefits such as increased self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment, which are particularly valuable for individuals struggling with depression.

Despite the evidence supporting exercise as a crucial component in managing depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, it is often considered an “alternative” treatment in some clinical guidelines. While guidelines in Australia and New Zealand recognize the role of exercise alongside medications and psychotherapy, other bodies, like the American Psychological Association, primarily emphasize medication and psychotherapy, classifying exercise as an “alternative” treatment. This classification inaccurately implies that exercise is outside conventional medicine or lacks a clear evidence base, which is not the case for exercise and mental health.

Regrettably, exercise is less commonly prescribed than medication and psychotherapy, possibly due to challenges in prescribing and monitoring exercise in clinical settings and patient resistance due to low energy or motivation.

However, it is important to note that while exercise can be an effective tool for managing mental health conditions, individuals with these conditions should collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans instead of embarking on a new exercise regimen alone.

A comprehensive treatment plan may include various lifestyle approaches, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and socializing, in conjunction with therapies like psychotherapy and medication.

Exercise should not be viewed as an optional addition to treatment but as a powerful and accessible tool for managing mental health conditions. The best part is that it’s free and provides numerous additional health benefits.

To learn more about this research, refer to the article “Exercise Is More Effective Than Medicines or Counseling for Managing Depression.”