Depression: Do you Always Have to Take a Pill?

Dr. Joseph Maroon is a world-renowned neurosurgeon and sports medicine expert. He is also an innovator in concussion management, personal fitness, and nutrition. Dr. Maroon practices neurosurgery at UPMC Presbyterian. 

In an ongoing study initiated in 2008 and updated in January of this year, scientists have followed over 2,000 adults with depression who were either treated with exercise only or treated with medication(s) and cognitive therapy intervention. Their conclusion was that exercise was moderately more effective than a traditional intervention for reducing symptoms of depression. Exercise appeared to be no more or less effective than psychological or pharmacological treatments. 

Additionally, they noted that if further research is to take place, it should focus on assessing which characteristics of exercise are more effective for different people. The bottom line is that we still don’t have a definitive answer, but it’s encouraging that exercise is being seriously evaluated as a potential alternative or additive therapy for this common condition in our society.  

What Is Depression?

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can alter behavior and mood. It is often treated with antidepressants or psychological therapy, or both. Common symptoms include persistent sadness and loss of interest. Depression affects millions globally, with 14.8 million U.S. adults having at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment in the past year. Depression is an illness and should be diagnosed by a trained healthcare professional. Depression is not a moral weakness. It has various causes like genetics, trauma, and life stressors, and is treatable with therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, (including exercise).

In the United States, antidepressant medication is often prioritized over, or offered without, counseling. While combined treatment (medication and therapy) is generally considered most effective, the U.S. healthcare system frequently defaults to medication because it is faster, more accessible, and cheaper to initiate than long-term psychotherapy. 

Personal Experience with Depression and Exercise

Years ago, my father died suddenly of a massive heart attack. Evolving personal family issues led to a marital breakup and eventually severe depression symptoms, all in the same week.  After four months of extreme frustration and depression, a friend called and asked me to go for a run. I was also suffering from high blood pressure, was overweight, and chronically fatigued.

Following four times around the quarter-mile track at the local high school, walking and jogging, I slept for the first time in four months. The next day I found myself at the same track doing five laps, followed by six laps on the third day and gradually increasing the amount so that in a month I was up to running two miles a day. It was then that I felt the depression beginning to lift, my energy returning, my weight loss becoming noticeable, and my blood pressure decreasing. After four months I was up to five miles and began biking and subsequently swimming on alternate days.  

I have since used daily exercise, not only to stay healthy physically, but mentally as well.  I continue to recommend exercise, aerobic and resistance,  for both the mind and the body to all who listen.

REF: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004366.pub7