Menu
06/06/2012
Study Finds Exercise 'No Help For Depression'
New research suggests that combining exercise with conventional treatments for depression does not improve recovery.
Published in the British Medical Journal, the NHS funded study gave some patients help to boost their activity levels in addition to receiving therapy or anti-depressants.
Current guidelines suggest sufferers do up to three exercise sessions a week, however after a year all 361 patients taking part in the study had fewer signs of depression, but there was no difference between the two groups.
"This is a huge disappointment because we were hoping exercise would help lift depression,” said Prof Alan Maryon-Davis, professor of public health, King's College London
“But we need to bear in mind that these were patients already on medication, so it considers exercise on top of medical care. It did not look at mild depression nor did it consider exercise as an alternative to medication.
"The message mustn't be to stop exercising. Exercise has so many other benefits - it is good in terms of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, has a beneficial effect on the balance of fats in the blood, strengthens muscles, and burns up calories. A lot of people who have depression may have other problems too. And an active body helps to produce a healthy mind."
(H)
Published in the British Medical Journal, the NHS funded study gave some patients help to boost their activity levels in addition to receiving therapy or anti-depressants.
Current guidelines suggest sufferers do up to three exercise sessions a week, however after a year all 361 patients taking part in the study had fewer signs of depression, but there was no difference between the two groups.
"This is a huge disappointment because we were hoping exercise would help lift depression,” said Prof Alan Maryon-Davis, professor of public health, King's College London
“But we need to bear in mind that these were patients already on medication, so it considers exercise on top of medical care. It did not look at mild depression nor did it consider exercise as an alternative to medication.
"The message mustn't be to stop exercising. Exercise has so many other benefits - it is good in terms of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, has a beneficial effect on the balance of fats in the blood, strengthens muscles, and burns up calories. A lot of people who have depression may have other problems too. And an active body helps to produce a healthy mind."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 October 2003
New regulations set to 'open up access' to countryside
Regulations are being put before Parliament today which are set to open up the countryside and improve public access, the government has said.
New regulations set to 'open up access' to countryside
Regulations are being put before Parliament today which are set to open up the countryside and improve public access, the government has said.
04 August 2003
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
22 March 2013
Study Finds Remote Care More Expensive
Remote monitoring of long-term care patients has been found to be less cost effective, according to a UK trial. Some 1,000 patients were involved in the British Medical Journal study, which indicated the total costs for those using "tele-health" were higher.
Study Finds Remote Care More Expensive
Remote monitoring of long-term care patients has been found to be less cost effective, according to a UK trial. Some 1,000 patients were involved in the British Medical Journal study, which indicated the total costs for those using "tele-health" were higher.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
05 January 2009
Young Adults With Depression 'Desperately' Need Help
A significant number of young adults need more assistance dealing with mental health problems, a new report has warned. The survey of 16 to 25-year-olds compiled by the Prince's Trust found one in 10 young people believed life was not worth living, or meaningless. Polling company YouGov questioned 2,004 people online.
Young Adults With Depression 'Desperately' Need Help
A significant number of young adults need more assistance dealing with mental health problems, a new report has warned. The survey of 16 to 25-year-olds compiled by the Prince's Trust found one in 10 young people believed life was not worth living, or meaningless. Polling company YouGov questioned 2,004 people online.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
