New Research Shows Running can be an Effective Treatment for Depression
Key Points:
- Research from the Netherlands suggests that running can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, making it just as effective as anti-depressant medication.
- The use of anti-depressants can have negative long-term health effects, prompting researchers to explore alternative treatments for depression that do not involve drugs.
- While running can help reduce depression symptoms, it may not be suitable for all patients, as the severity of depression varies from mild to severe. Severe cases may still require medication.
Doctors and researchers from the Free University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands conducted the groundbreaking research, aiming to find new ways to treat depression and anxiety without relying solely on medication. The results were presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology conference in October 2023 and published in the Journal of Affective Disorders earlier that year.
Professor Brenda Pennince, a renowned psychiatric epidemiologist and co-author of the study, emphasized the increasing prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in today’s society. She explained that the use of anti-depressants can negatively impact long-term patient health. Therefore, the research team sought to identify the most effective method to alleviate these side effects.
Comparing the effects of anti-depressant medication (Escitalopram) to regular jogging on anxiety and depression reduction was a groundbreaking approach, bringing running into the forefront of psychiatric treatments. The study found that both medication and running were equally effective in treating the conditions. However, the group assigned to jogging also experienced additional benefits, such as weight loss, reduced waist size, improved blood pressure, and better overall heart health. These advantages were not observed in the group using antidepressants.
Carmel Choi, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, praised the research, stating that exercise has long been recognized as a helpful tool in treating mental illness. She added that exercise is now more officially accepted in medical practice, often recommended alongside psychotherapy or medication.
However, it is important to note that running may not be suitable for all patients with depression. As depression severity can vary significantly, those with severe symptoms are still advised to continue their medication regimen while incorporating exercise as part of their treatment plan. Ben Singh, an Allied Health Researcher from the University of South Australia, highlighted the need for further research, as the study did not provide a definitive answer on the best treatment option for all patients. Singh emphasized the importance of personalized treatment plans, especially for individuals with severe depression symptoms.
Associate Professor Parco Su from the University of Hong Kong expressed similar sentiments, noting the lack of studies specifically focusing on exercise as a standalone treatment for severe depression.
Ultimately, treating depression is a complex matter, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While research has shown that running can help reduce depressive symptoms, it may be most effective for patients with mild symptoms. For individuals with severe depression, a combination of medication and exercise under the guidance of a doctor is often recommended. Professor Felipe Barreto Cuch, a Lecturer in Psychiatry and Mental Health, stressed that patients should not be limited to choosing only one treatment option. Antidepressants and exercise can be safely combined for maximum benefit.
It is crucial for patients to have open and honest discussions with their psychiatrists or psychotherapists to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their specific symptoms. Although exercise can be a viable alternative to medication for some, it is important to acknowledge that individual responses may vary. Depression is a complex condition, and recovery may require a combination of different approaches.
Important Note: It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan or medication regimen.
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Reference: CNN
Proofreading by Sielawong
Key Points:
Research from the Netherlands reveals that “running” can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is as effective as using an anti-depressant. Currently, the use of antidepressants affects the long-term health of patients. So the research team looked for other ways. That helps treat depression without the use of drugs. To reduce those side effects Although running can help reduce the symptoms of “depression” according to research results. But it may not be suitable for all patients. Because there are many levels of depression. From mild to severe symptoms For depressed patients with very severe symptoms However, you must use medication.
I’m not saying leave.”run“Then you’ll get betterdepressionYes, only researchers from the field of psychiatric epidemiology from the Free University of Amsterdam (Vrije University), the Netherlands Want to find the answer? Are there other ways to treat depression and anxiety apart from medication? which is the answer “Practice running”
The research was published at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) annual conference on October 7-10, 2023, and was previously published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Also in early 2023
This was the first time in the psychiatric field that running was as effective as antidepressants.
Professor Brenda Pennince, professor of psychiatric epidemiology at Vrije University, co-author of the study, said: The number of cases of depression patients And anxiety in today’s age has increased. And the use of antidepressants affects the long-term health of patients. The research team therefore looked for the best way to mitigate these effects.
This research is the first of its kind in psychology. A comparative study between the results of using “Anti-depressants (Escitalopram)” and “jogging” to reduce anxiety. Reducing depression It also has a positive effect on the general health of the patient.
“As you know, If you are depressed and you don’t seek treatment, it will lead to worse outcomes. Therefore, antidepressants are a good, safe and effective choice, but we need to expand our knowledge of new treatments because some patients do not respond to antidepressants. or unwilling to accept those drugs,” says Professor Brenda.
For the steps in the experiment The research team carried out an experiment with a group of depressed patients. Anxiety disorder patients or both, a total of 141 patients were divided for a period of 16 weeks into the first group to take antidepressants. The second group received no medication, but were asked to run for 45 minutes 2-3 times a week with close supervision.
Treatment of depressed patients with exercise is more officially recognized
The results of the experiment showed that 44% of the participants in both groups had improved symptoms. Less depression or anxiety The research team concluded that medication and running are equally effective in treating the disease. In addition, in the group of experimenters who were given jogging. They also found that they lost weight, lost waist size and had better blood pressure and heart health. Meanwhile, the group using antidepressants did not have these benefits.
Carmel Choi, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School in Boston (who was not involved in the research), said on the research: It is well known that exercise can be a real help in treating mental illness. and is more officially accepted in medicine The doctor will have the patient exercise along with psychotherapy or medication.
“In this case, practice was just as beneficial. with the use of antidepressants With fewer side effects and is more beneficial for physical health,” said the psychologist.
“Running” therapy may not be suitable for all patients with depression!
In the meantime Jogging to relieve symptoms of depression It may not be suitable for all patients. Because there are many levels of depression. From mild to very severe And each patient has a different level of illness, therefore, in the group of depressed patients with severe symptoms You should use medication Do not miss medication, but you can exercise along with it without any side effects to the treatment.
Ben Singh, Allied Health Researcher from the University of South Australia (not involved in the research) reflects another view which was There are still some gaps in this research, in other words, the results do not give a clear answer still as to which treatment is the best option? This is because not all patients have the same level of depressive symptoms. But most studies tend to focus on “Mild Depression” because it is safer in studies
“People with severe depression often come with more serious symptoms, such as extreme sadness. constant despair Thoughts of suicide or the inability to work or live a daily life This requires close treatment with a doctor,” said Singh.
In addition, Associate Professor Parco Su, professor of kinesiology from the University of Hong Kong (not involved in the research) has expressed the same opinion There is not much study of other studies. That clearly shows the treatment of severe depression with exercise. For those with severe depression exercise alone is not enough.
Treating individual patients suffering from depression Be specific Can’t use the same treatment methods!
In summary, Although research results have shown that runHelps reduce symptomsDepressinglyIt is true according to research results, but it may only be effective for groups of patients with mild symptoms. For patients with severe symptoms, they must use medication and exercise. and was treated by a doctor
Professor Felipe Barreto Cuch, Lecturer in Psychiatry and Mental Health from the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, explains that it is unreasonable to ask patients to choose only one treatment for depression. In general, taking an antidepressant AND exercise does not increase any risk for the patient Patients can receive both treatment methods at the same time.
Professor Felipe also said for people with severe depression. and was admitted to that hospital In addition to using medication to treat Exercise is another option that can be used for joint treatment. But there are still limitations. In a comparative study of exercise and the use of medications to treat depression It is not yet known how much exercise is required. To replace the use of medication
However, many psychiatrists and specialists still emphasize the important point that every patient’s approach to treating depression is different. Although exercise can be a treatment option for depression instead of medication, But the important thing to know is that “Nothing works for every patient,” so patients must talk openly with their psychiatrist or psychotherapist . This will allow the doctor to evaluate your specific symptoms. and help you make informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment method.
If you are trying to relieve depression through exercise alone, You should also be aware that the results will vary from person to person. It cannot be confirmed that jogging will help all patients recover from depression.
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Reference: CNN
Proofreading….Sielawong
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