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Physical Exercise for Treatment of Mood Disorders: A Critical Review
C M Hearing1, W C Chang1, K L Szuhany2
1Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. Phone number: 866-996-6637.
Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports
|May 16, 2017
Summary
Regular exercise shows promise as an additional treatment for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. It may improve both mental health and physical health outcomes in patients with these mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Exercise Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are chronic conditions with significant impacts on quality of life and functioning.
- Individuals with mood disorders face higher risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, inactivity, and diabetes.
- Exercise may offer benefits for both cardiovascular health and long-term mood disorder outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the evidence supporting exercise as an adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
- To explore the potential of exercise in mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with mood disorders.
- To assess exercise's impact on interepisodic symptoms and overall functioning.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- The review focused on the effects of exercise on mood disorders and their comorbid conditions.
- Biological mechanisms underlying exercise's effects were also investigated.
Main Results:
- Exercise positively influences both physical health parameters and mental health outcomes in mood disorders.
- Exercise demonstrates beneficial effects on frequently comorbid conditions such as anxiety, pain, and insomnia.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxidative stress are identified as key biomarkers related to exercise's antidepressant effects.
Conclusions:
- Exercise emerges as a promising adjunct treatment for individuals with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
- Further research is recommended to solidify the role of exercise in managing mood disorders.
- Exercise may improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for patients with mood disorders.
Keywords:
Bipolar disorderadjunctive interventioncardiovascular diseasedepressionexercisemood disordersMore Related Videos
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