A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders has found that regular running may be as effective as antidepressant medication in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. The findings highlight the powerful potential of physical activity in supporting mental health, though researchers emphasize that commitment to treatment is key to success in any therapeutic approach.
The study was conducted in Amsterdam and involved 141 adults diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorders, or both. Participants were split into two groups: the first group followed a supervised running program, attending two to three sessions per week, each lasting over 45 minutes, and did not use medication. The second group received traditional treatment with antidepressants, without engaging in structured physical activity.
After 16 weeks, about 44% of participants in both groups showed significant improvements in their mental health. The researchers noted that these results suggest running could serve as an effective treatment option for some patients. However, they also cautioned that more extensive and diverse studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Beyond mental health improvements, those in the running group experienced better overall physical health. They recorded lower blood pressure, reduced abdominal fat, improved heart health, and better weight balance. In contrast, the medication group saw only slight improvements in these health markers.
One notable challenge was adherence. Only 52% of participants in the running group completed all scheduled sessions, compared to 82% of those in the medication group who consistently took their prescribed antidepressants. This highlights the importance of a patient’s ability to maintain an active lifestyle when considering running as a standalone or complementary treatment.
Mental health experts continue to stress the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining emotional well-being. However, they also warn against stopping antidepressant medications without medical supervision, as doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and potential relapse of depressive symptoms.
Doctors recommend that medication be reduced gradually and only under the care of a qualified professional. Ultimately, integrating physical activity like running into a comprehensive mental health treatment plan may offer dual benefits—both psychological and physical—as long as the program is followed consistently and individual health conditions are taken into account.
As with any new exercise regimen, consulting a doctor beforehand is advised to ensure safety and readiness for physical activity.
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