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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Regular exercise may work as well as medication in improving symptoms of major depression, researchers have found.
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In a study of 202 depressed adults, investigators found that those who went through group-based exercise therapy did as well as those treated with an antidepressant drug. A third group that performed home-based exercise also improved, though to a lesser degree.
Importantly, the researchers found, all three groups did better than a fourth group given a placebo -- an inactive pill identical to the antidepressant.
While past studies have suggested that exercise can ease depression symptoms, a criticism has been that the research failed to compare exercise with a placebo. This leaves a question as to whether the therapy, per se, was responsible for the benefit.
The new findings bolster evidence that exercise does have a real effect on depression, according to the researchers . . .
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070919/hl_nm/exercise_depression_dc;_ylt=AkPUPcNs8nL1viGmopQhE1cQ.3QA
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In a study of 202 depressed adults, investigators found that those who went through group-based exercise therapy did as well as those treated with an antidepressant drug. A third group that performed home-based exercise also improved, though to a lesser degree.
Importantly, the researchers found, all three groups did better than a fourth group given a placebo -- an inactive pill identical to the antidepressant.
While past studies have suggested that exercise can ease depression symptoms, a criticism has been that the research failed to compare exercise with a placebo. This leaves a question as to whether the therapy, per se, was responsible for the benefit.
The new findings bolster evidence that exercise does have a real effect on depression, according to the researchers . . .
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070919/hl_nm/exercise_depression_dc;_ylt=AkPUPcNs8nL1viGmopQhE1cQ.3QA
deleted_user
i believe it does---but my only problem is getting myself to exercise---i just lack motivation
sja
I had a shrink tell me that one time, the problem is between feeling depressed and the side effects of my meds, I hardly want to get out of bed, let alone exercise. Plus with winter comming and not as much sunlight, I know it will be worse. Any suggestions?
deleted_user
I feel a huge difference in the days I do exercise, even though it is hard to do. I am still on anti-depressants as well.
deleted_user
good idea. i want to give this a try
deleted_user
i never found excercies to help, when i was at the gym i think it stressed me out more because i would have to wait for a machine, and i wasnt feeling any better for doin it so felt i was wasting money.
deleted_user
I just wanted to comment on a few of the entries about sunlight and being stressed out. You have to really want to get healthy and do the work. Meaning on days you feel like crap, to make yourself get up and exercise. For me, the gym has really helped. The days I don't go I can really feel it!
deleted_user
I always find the problem is getting the motivation in the first place. Once you get going it's fine but it's the climbing out of bed and getting dressed part that's a pain hehe
deleted_user
I have just started to exercise daily. Just warm up and 20 mins on a trampet. it really helps. i force myself but once i get going i feel better. the depression is still there but exercise gives me nudge i need to help myself.
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