Exercise interventions in the treatment of depression

Malik, Sumaira; Kit Han Mo, Phoenix; Blake, Holly

Abstract

Depression is a common psychiatric problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Whilst conventional treatments for depression have involved the use of antidepressant medications or ‘talking’ therapies, in recent years the concept of exercise therapy has received increasing attention as a potential alternative or supplementary treatment for depression. Research suggests that exercise interventions can be beneficial for alleviating depressive symptoms in individuals with a diagnosis of depression. Furthermore, it appears that exercise may be equally as effective as the use of antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. However, there are methodological shortcomings in much of the published literature, which may limit the generalisability of findings. There is a need for further well-designed research to clarify the role of exercise in the treatment of depression. Recommendations for future research and practice are outlined in this chapter.

Citation

Malik, S., Kit Han Mo, P., & Blake, H. (2010). Exercise interventions in the treatment of depression. In Physical activity in rehabilitation and recovery, 279-312. New York: Nova Science Publishers

• Book Type: Book Chapter
• Acceptance Date: Jun 30, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Jul 31, 2010
• Publication Date: Jul 31, 2010
• Deposit Date: Oct 10, 2018
• Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
• Pages: 279-312
• Series Title: Public Health in the 21st Century
• Book Title: Physical activity in rehabilitation and recovery
• Chapter Number: 11
• ISBN: 978-1-60876-400-6
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1157659
• Publisher URL: http://www.novapublishers.org/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=11492