A recent study presented at the 36th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress explored the effects of antidepressants versus running therapy on patients with depression. Results revealed that while adherence to treatment was higher among those taking antidepressants (82.2%) compared to those in running therapy (52.1%), both methods saw similar rates of depression and anxiety disorder remission by week 16 (44.8% for antidepressants and 43.3% for running).

Interestingly, those in the running therapy group demonstrated significant physical health improvements, including weight loss and better heart health metrics. While Francesca Cirulli, PhD, emphasized that neither intervention should be seen as superior but as complementary treatment options, Eduard Vieta, MD, PhD, and Eric Ruhe, MD, PhD, cautioned about the study's limitations, particularly its non-randomized design and potential biases.

The overarching sentiment suggests that while exercise undoubtedly benefits physical health, choosing between antidepressants and running therapy should be individualized, considering patient preferences and the challenges of adhering to a regular exercise regimen.

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Thanks to our friend and supporter Dr Caroline Michel for sharing this article with us from The Journal of Affective Disorders!

Read more here:

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/997236?&icd=login_success_email_match_fpf#vp_2

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032723002239

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