Popular exercise works just as well as antidepressants to tackle depression, scientists say

DANCING may be just as effective as antidepressants at treating depression, a study suggests.

Aerobic exercise such as jogging, swimming and dancing, had the “most substantial impact” on both depression and anxiety symptoms, Australian researchers said.

Even low intensity exercises like having a stroll helped improve symptoms.

Writing in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the scientists from James Cook University in Queensland, said that exercise should be “prescribed with the same confidence as traditional treatments”.

They added: “Public health guidelines should position exercise as an accessible, evidence-based first line intervention for mental health, particularly targeting emerging adults and perinatal populations where effects are strongest.”

Around one in six Brits suffers depression, with women around twice as likely to have the mental health problem.

Treatments currently depend on how severe the condition is, with talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and antidepressants available on prescription on the NHS.

Previous research has shown exercise can help relieve symptoms because physical activity helps lift your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and boosts feel-good endorphin levels.

In the study, scientists assessed 63 studies, involving more than 70,000 people.

Exercise groups were categorised as aerobic, resistance such as strength training, mind–body such as yoga, or a mix of all three.

All forms of exercise were found to have a positive effect, with aerobic, the most effective, scientists said.

Group workouts were linked to greater reduction in depression with people aged 18 to 30 and postnatal women benefiting most.

Meanwhile, working out for a shorter amount of time and at a lower intensity was more effective at reducing anxiety.

The effects were on a par with, or better than, medication or talking therapies, the scientists added.

Other experts who weren’t involved in the research, however, cautioned that exercise should be used alongside existing therapies, not instead of.

Dr Brendon Stubbs, a National Institute for Health and Clinical Research lecturer at King’s College London, said: “An important caveat is needed when interpreting claim made that exercise is better than medication or talking therapies.

“This review does not include head-to-head trials against pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy. 

“What we do know from head-to-head trials is that exercise, medication and psychotherapy generally show similar effect sizes in mild cases, rather than one clearly outperforming the others. 

“The key message to the public or people with anxiety or depression is that exercise is a credible, evidence-based option that can sit alongside medication and talking therapies, and in some cases be an effective first step, particularly when tailored to individual preferences and circumstances. 

“The good news we keep hearing from all of these reviews is that the type of exercise does not make much difference, they all have a potential benefit.”