A recent study involving 141 patients dealing with anxiety and/or depression offered them a choice between two treatment options: a 16-week course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly known as antidepressants, or group running therapy. The results of this study revealed that both options yielded approximately equal mental health benefits. However, there were notable differences in physical health outcomes.
Key Findings:
Comparable Mental Health Benefits: The study found that both running therapy and SSRIs were effective in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, highlighting the viability of exercise as an alternative treatment for these mental health conditions.
Varied Physical Health Outcomes: While both treatments improved mental health, running therapy demonstrated additional benefits for physical health. Participants in the running group experienced improvements in weight management, reduced waist circumference, and enhanced cardiovascular function. In contrast, the antidepressant group showed a tendency toward slight deterioration in these metabolic markers.
Adherence Challenges: Despite an initial preference for running therapy, the adherence rate was notably lower (52%) compared to the antidepressant group (82%). This discrepancy underscores the challenges individuals face in maintaining a regular exercise regimen, despite its potential benefits.
Patient Preference in Treatment Selection: The study offered patients the opportunity to choose between exercise and medication as part of their mental health care. This approach reflects a patient-centered perspective on treatment selection and revealed that many participants initially preferred exercise as a therapeutic option.
In summary, this research suggests that running therapy and antidepressants can provide similar benefits for mental health. However, running therapy offers additional advantages for physical well-being. It also highlights the real-world challenge of adherence to exercise regimens, despite their potential benefits, and underscores the importance of patient preferences in treatment decisions.
