DANCING may be just as effective as antidepressants at treating depression, a study suggests.
Aerobic exercise such as jogging, swimming and dancing, had the “most substantial impact” on both depression and anxiety symptoms, Australian researchers said.
Even low intensity exercises like having a stroll helped improve symptoms.
Writing in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the scientists from James Cook University in Queensland, said that exercise should be “prescribed with the same confidence as traditional treatments”.
They added: “Public health guidelines should position exercise as an accessible, evidence-based first line intervention for mental health, particularly targeting emerging adults and perinatal populations where effects are strongest.”
Around one in six Brits suffersdepression, with women around twice as likely to have themental healthproblem.
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Treatments currently depend on how severe the condition is, with talking therapies likecognitive behavioural therapy(CBT) andantidepressantsavailable on prescription on theNHS.
Previous research has shownexercisecan help relieve symptoms because physical activity helps lift your mood, reduce stress andanxiety, and boosts feel-good endorphin levels.
In the study, scientists assessed 63 studies, involving more than 70,000 people.
Exercise groups were categorised as aerobic, resistance such as strength training, mind–body such as yoga, or a mix of all three.
All forms of exercise were found to have a positive effect, with aerobic, the most effective, scientists said.
Group workouts were linked to greater reduction in depression with people aged 18 to 30 and postnatal women benefiting most.
Meanwhile, working out for a shorter amount of time and at a lower intensity was more effective at reducing anxiety.
The effects were on a par with, or better than, medication or talking therapies, the scientists added.
Other experts who weren’t involved in the research, however, cautioned that exercise should be used alongside existing therapies, not instead of.
Dr Brendon Stubbs, a National Institute for Health and Clinical Research lecturer at King’s College London, said: “An important caveat is needed when interpreting claim made that exercise is better than medication or talking therapies.
“This review does not include head-to-head trials against pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy.
“What we do know from head-to-head trials is that exercise, medication and psychotherapy generally show similar effect sizes in mild cases, rather than one clearly outperforming the others.
“The key message to the public or people with anxiety ordepressionis that exercise is a credible, evidence-based option that can sit alongside medication and talking therapies, and in some cases be an effective first step, particularly when tailored to individual preferences and circumstances.
“The good news we keep hearing from all of these reviews is that the type of exercise does not make much difference, they all have a potential benefit.”
What are the symptoms of depression?
The psychological symptoms of depression include:
- continuous low mood or sadness
- feeling hopeless and helpless
- having low self-esteem
- feeling tearful
- feeling guilt-ridden
- feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- having nomotivationor interest in things
- finding it difficult tomake decisions
- not getting anyenjoyment out of life
- feelinganxious or worried
- havingsuicidal thoughtsor thoughts ofharming yourself
The physical symptoms of depression include:
- moving or speaking more slowly than usual
- changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
- constipation
- unexplained aches and pains
- lack of energy
- lowsex drive(loss of libido)
- disturbed sleep– for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at nightor wakingup veryearly in the morning
Source:The NHS