Posted by linkadge on August 5, 2006, at 19:55:54 [reposted on August 8, 2006, at 11:07:01 | original URL]
In reply to Exercise and depression, posted by Bob on August 5, 2006, at 17:00:55
As many people know, I am a proponent of exercise for depression, even severe depression.
There is a wealth of information relating to the effects of physical activity on depression. However, you must make note that almost all studies that conclude an antidepressant effect relate to aerobic exercise like running, and not weightlifiting etc. Although other forms of exercise may help mood, they do not have the reseach to support it.
The effects of exercise on depression include multiple factors. Like many antidepressant treatments, the full effects can take a long time to manifest. One cannot conclude based on a few short sessions that exercise will not help their depression. It usually takes a month or so, of consistent exercise, to conclude if it works or not.
Exercise produces many biochemical changes identical to antidepressant treatment. Exercise does more than any one antdiepressant, however.
Some of the main effects of long term exercise are:
Increased BDNF expression (brain growth factor)
Increased GDNF expression (brain growth factor)
Increased NGF expression (brain growth factor)
Increased NT-3 expression (brain growth factor)
Reduced Cortisol excretion
HPA axis regulation
Endorphen Release
Phenylethylamine Increase (with possable subsequent reductions in norepinephrine transporter exprssion)
Downregulated serotonin autoreceptors,
Increased 5-ht1a receptor expression
Neuropeptide Y increase
Improvement in sleep archetecture
Positive changes in EEG patterns
Enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis
Increased brain bloodflow
Downregulated beta adrenergic receptors.
Improved cognition.The effect of exercise on mild to moderate depression is well documented. There are some studies that show similar effects in more severe cases. Some studies have shown that exercise programs reduce relapse and improve overall condition (long term) better than drugs do.
The only thing standing against the case of exercise for severe deprsson is the relative lack of trials. Most people with severe depression do not want to participate in such trials. This does not mean that exercse would not have an effect on these individuals.
People tell me that exercise does not help their depression and its not really for me to judge. Understandably it is easier for some than others, but I would challange anyone to dedicate time each day to try and work up to 45 minaues or so, of some type of vigorous aerobic exercise.
If they can do that for a month, and still say it has zero effect, then I will believe them.
Regards.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:674827
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20060610/msgs/674831.html