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Published on: January 7, 2019
Exercise for the Prevention and Treatment of Depression
Brandon L Alderman1, Hannah M Perdue2, Amber H Sarwani2
1Department of Kinesiology and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. alderman@kines.rutgers.edu.
Abstract:
Depression is among the world's leading causes of disability and accounts for a significant loss of life. Despite large investments in research for antidepressants and psychotherapies, non-response, partial response, and small effects remain significant problems. Exercise and physical activity are two lifestyle behaviors that have been studied for well over half a century for the prevention and treatment of depression. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current evidence base supporting the efficacy of exercise and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of depression, including evidence supporting exercise as a monotherapy and adjunct to antidepressant medication and psychotherapies. We conclude the chapter by outlining challenges to prescribing exercise for depression and general recommendations for encouraging behavioral adoption for individuals suffering from depression.
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