Participants who opted for medication in the study experienced poorer physical outcomes, while those engaged in running faced difficulties maintaining their exercise regimen. Despite the convenience of running due to its low barriers to entry, the study underscores the general benefits of regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being.
Engaging in regular exercise can exert a significantly positive influence on one’s mental health. A recent study highlighted the therapeutic impact of running on depression and anxiety, comparable to the effects of antidepressants.
Notably, scientific findings unveiled at the October 2023 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress in Barcelona emphasized that adhering to an exercise program also correlated with improved physical outcomes. However, the study acknowledged the persistent challenge of sustaining regular physical activity over time.
“Antidepressants work for most people — we know that not treating depression at all leads to worse outcomes; so antidepressants are generally a good choice,” said Brenda Penninx, PhD. She is the lead study author and a professor of psychiatric epidemiology at Vrije University in Amsterdam. “This study, however, showed that running therapy can reduce depressive symptoms, at least in some depressed persons. The effects on mental health outcomes were rather comparable to that seen in the group that used antidepressants.”
Dr. Penninx emphasizes that an exercise regimen should not be seen as a substitute for medications. Instead, it should be considered as an supplementary treatment option, administered in a well-coordinated and supervised manner by trained professionals.
Running vs. Medication for Treating Depression
In the conducted research, a cohort of 141 individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or a combination of both conditions was closely monitored by scientists. Participants were given the option to pursue treatment exclusively through medication, specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) called escitalopram (known as Lexapro and Cipralex), or through a running therapy program without medication.
During the span of 16 weeks, 45 individuals underwent treatment with the SSRI, while 96 engaged in a running program as part of their therapeutic intervention. The medication group received an initial dosage of 10 milligrams per day of escitalopram, and the dosage could be adjusted as necessary under the guidance of a psychiatrist. In cases where escitalopram proved ineffective or was poorly tolerated, patients were transitioned to a second SSRI, sertraline (Zoloft).
The running therapy involved supervised outdoor running sessions lasting 45 minutes each, with the goal of completing two to three sessions per week. This approach adhered to the recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for public health, emphasizing the potential benefits of physical activity in managing mental health conditions.
Similar Results for Mental Health, Not Physical Health
Upon concluding the trial, approximately 44 percent of participants in both the exercise and antidepressant groups exhibited a remission in their symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is crucial to note, however, that the authors observed that these symptoms remained “considerable” despite the improvements.
Notably, the physical health outcomes diverged between the two groups, favoring the individuals engaged in running. The runners demonstrated positive changes such as a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and waist circumference, coupled with an increase in lung function. Conversely, the antidepressant group displayed signs of physical decline, manifesting in increased weight, blood pressure, and triglycerides, along with a decrease in heart rate variability—a marker of reduced resilience, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic.
The research team underscored the direct impact of exercise in addressing the sedentary lifestyle often prevalent in individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders. Engaging in exercise encourages people to venture outdoors, set personal goals, enhance their fitness levels, and participate in group activities.
However, adhering to an exercise program presents its own set of challenges. The data revealed that only 52 percent of participants in the running group maintained compliance with the prescribed protocol, whereas an impressive 82 percent in the drug group consistently adhered to their medication regimen. This discrepancy emphasizes the difficulties associated with sustaining an exercise routine, despite its evident benefits, and raises considerations for improving strategies to enhance adherence in this population.
“It’s more difficult to change one’s behavior than to take a drug,” said Eric Ruhe, MD, a psychiatrist with Amsterdam University Medical Centers specializing in the treatment of depressive disorders.
Dr. Ruhe, though not part of the study, recommends incorporating heightened physical activity alongside antidepressant usage. Furthermore, he expresses interest in future research exploring the combined effects of antidepressants and running on outcomes.
Importance of Making Lifestyle Changes
The researchers acknowledge the formidable challenge of motivating individuals to consistently engage in exercise, particularly for those grappling with depression. Ruhe underscores the difficulty faced by depressed individuals in adopting a new lifestyle pattern and embracing regular running, as their mental health significantly hampers motivational drives.
The efficacy of running therapy extends beyond mere directives to “go run”; adequate supervision and coaching are deemed essential by Penninx for its success. Moreover, she emphasizes that running may not be universally suitable, and individuals with depression could derive similar benefits from preferred activities such as cycling, swimming, or sports like soccer or tennis. Engaging in physical activity with others is also highlighted as a motivational aid.
Presented at the ECNP and initially published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in May 2023, the study’s findings build upon prior research showcasing the positive impact of exercise on mental health. An analysis of 21 randomized trials on exercise and depression, featured in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in September 2022, revealed no discernible difference in reducing depressive symptoms between exercise and pharmacological interventions for adults suffering from non-severe depression. However, for those with severe depression, exercise alone may prove insufficient.
Given the study’s relatively limited size and non-completely randomized design (participants selected their therapy), Penninx expresses the intention to undertake a larger, multi-site study with stricter randomization. The objective is to evaluate the combination of running therapy and antidepressant medication for a more comprehensive understanding of their collective impact.
“There is no ‘miracle treatment’ for depression that works for everyone,” added Penninx.
Participants who opted for medication in the study experienced poorer physical outcomes, while those engaged in running faced difficulties maintaining their exercise regimen. Despite the convenience of running due to its low barriers to entry, the study underscores the general benefits of regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being.
Engaging in regular exercise can exert a significantly positive influence on one’s mental health. A recent study highlighted the therapeutic impact of running on depression and anxiety, comparable to the effects of antidepressants.
Notably, scientific findings unveiled at the October 2023 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress in Barcelona emphasized that adhering to an exercise program also correlated with improved physical outcomes. However, the study acknowledged the persistent challenge of sustaining regular physical activity over time.
“Antidepressants work for most people — we know that not treating depression at all leads to worse outcomes; so antidepressants are generally a good choice,” said Brenda Penninx, PhD. She is the lead study author and a professor of psychiatric epidemiology at Vrije University in Amsterdam. “This study, however, showed that running therapy can reduce depressive symptoms, at least in some depressed persons. The effects on mental health outcomes were rather comparable to that seen in the group that used antidepressants.”
Dr. Penninx emphasizes that an exercise regimen should not be seen as a substitute for medications. Instead, it should be considered as an supplementary treatment option, administered in a well-coordinated and supervised manner by trained professionals.
Running vs. Medication for Treating Depression
In the conducted research, a cohort of 141 individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or a combination of both conditions was closely monitored by scientists. Participants were given the option to pursue treatment exclusively through medication, specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) called escitalopram (known as Lexapro and Cipralex), or through a running therapy program without medication.
During the span of 16 weeks, 45 individuals underwent treatment with the SSRI, while 96 engaged in a running program as part of their therapeutic intervention. The medication group received an initial dosage of 10 milligrams per day of escitalopram, and the dosage could be adjusted as necessary under the guidance of a psychiatrist. In cases where escitalopram proved ineffective or was poorly tolerated, patients were transitioned to a second SSRI, sertraline (Zoloft).
The running therapy involved supervised outdoor running sessions lasting 45 minutes each, with the goal of completing two to three sessions per week. This approach adhered to the recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for public health, emphasizing the potential benefits of physical activity in managing mental health conditions.
Similar Results for Mental Health, Not Physical Health
Upon concluding the trial, approximately 44 percent of participants in both the exercise and antidepressant groups exhibited a remission in their symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is crucial to note, however, that the authors observed that these symptoms remained “considerable” despite the improvements.
Notably, the physical health outcomes diverged between the two groups, favoring the individuals engaged in running. The runners demonstrated positive changes such as a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and waist circumference, coupled with an increase in lung function. Conversely, the antidepressant group displayed signs of physical decline, manifesting in increased weight, blood pressure, and triglycerides, along with a decrease in heart rate variability—a marker of reduced resilience, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic.
The research team underscored the direct impact of exercise in addressing the sedentary lifestyle often prevalent in individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders. Engaging in exercise encourages people to venture outdoors, set personal goals, enhance their fitness levels, and participate in group activities.
However, adhering to an exercise program presents its own set of challenges. The data revealed that only 52 percent of participants in the running group maintained compliance with the prescribed protocol, whereas an impressive 82 percent in the drug group consistently adhered to their medication regimen. This discrepancy emphasizes the difficulties associated with sustaining an exercise routine, despite its evident benefits, and raises considerations for improving strategies to enhance adherence in this population.
“It’s more difficult to change one’s behavior than to take a drug,” said Eric Ruhe, MD, a psychiatrist with Amsterdam University Medical Centers specializing in the treatment of depressive disorders.
Dr. Ruhe, though not part of the study, recommends incorporating heightened physical activity alongside antidepressant usage. Furthermore, he expresses interest in future research exploring the combined effects of antidepressants and running on outcomes.
Importance of Making Lifestyle Changes
The researchers acknowledge the formidable challenge of motivating individuals to consistently engage in exercise, particularly for those grappling with depression. Ruhe underscores the difficulty faced by depressed individuals in adopting a new lifestyle pattern and embracing regular running, as their mental health significantly hampers motivational drives.
The efficacy of running therapy extends beyond mere directives to “go run”; adequate supervision and coaching are deemed essential by Penninx for its success. Moreover, she emphasizes that running may not be universally suitable, and individuals with depression could derive similar benefits from preferred activities such as cycling, swimming, or sports like soccer or tennis. Engaging in physical activity with others is also highlighted as a motivational aid.
Presented at the ECNP and initially published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in May 2023, the study’s findings build upon prior research showcasing the positive impact of exercise on mental health. An analysis of 21 randomized trials on exercise and depression, featured in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in September 2022, revealed no discernible difference in reducing depressive symptoms between exercise and pharmacological interventions for adults suffering from non-severe depression. However, for those with severe depression, exercise alone may prove insufficient.
Given the study’s relatively limited size and non-completely randomized design (participants selected their therapy), Penninx expresses the intention to undertake a larger, multi-site study with stricter randomization. The objective is to evaluate the combination of running therapy and antidepressant medication for a more comprehensive understanding of their collective impact.
“There is no ‘miracle treatment’ for depression that works for everyone,” added Penninx. “If we have more choices in our treatment arsenal, there is choice for patients, and treatments can also be combined in order to reach the best outcome.”
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