For many patients, the cost of medication to manage major depressive disorders is a hindrance to treatment. In addition to medication cost, negative side effects from prescription drugs and difficult access to consistent mental health care have all contributed to patients resisting consistent engagement in traditional treatment. Current research findings may change all that.
Researchers Chad Rethorst and Madhukar Trivedi from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas have recently proved that aerobic exercise of specific intensity and intervals significantly decreases symptoms of major depressive disorders. In many cases, the results were as effective as medication and side effects were all positive, including a more healthy cardiovascular system and a more toned physique.
The researcher’s results have been picked up by a variety of major health magazines and are being fully embraced by the medical community. As a result of their work, exercise is now part of “best practice” treatment plans endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association.
In just a few weeks, the onset of changes could be felt by participants who were faithful to the exercise schedule. Exercising aerobically 3 to 5 times a week for 20 to 45 minutes is enough to produce results as effective as medication in some cases, and without potential negative side effects. Patients who used the treadmill or stationary bike 5 times a week for 45 minutes at a time experienced the most dramatic results.
Each person started out at a different physical level. Increasing consistent activity based on each person’s starting point produced a decrease in depressive symptoms. No matter a person’s fitness level, the researchers showed patients who engaged in regular exercise lowered the need for medication and improved their symptoms.
Becoming involved in enjoyable physical activity, setting small obtainable goals, exercising with a group, joining a gym or meeting regularly with a personal trainer can help improve patient success rates and boost personal accountability. As more studies are completed to support the findings of this research, the science may convince more patients to stop at the gym or the park on the way home from their counseling sessions instead of the pharmacy.
References:
http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/05/11/new-guidelines-for-using-exercise-as-an-antidepressant/54728.html
http://news.menshealth.com/study-working-out-makes-you-happier/2013/05/30
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/236654284_Evidence-based_recommendations_for_the_prescription_of_exercise_for_major_depressive_disorder
