Effects of Physical activity on diagnosed major Depressive order
background
Patients with Major Depressive Disorder are usually untreated or do not respond to “typical” therapy for mental health disorders such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (Heinzel et al., 2022).
Therefore researchers decided to look into the effects of low intensity or high intensity exercise in combination with CBT on patients with non-responsive MDD.
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The results of the study were that high intensity exercise did not enhance cognitive behavioral therapy outcome. However, how physically fit a person was an indicator for how well CBT would be for a person as the people with better physical fitness had better outcomes with their CBT sessions overall.
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Follow the links below to learn more about what cognitive behavioral therapy is:
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https://www.psychologytools.com/self-help/how-can-cbt-help-me/
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https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
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Other resources for CBT and Depression: (recommended by the society of Society of Clinical Psychology, Division 12 of the APA.)
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App: CBT Guide to Depression & Test
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.excelatlife.cbtdiary
how does physical activity improve major depressive disorder?
A study conducted on active duty service members tested out the effect that physical therapy treatments had on major depressive disorder over the course of 6 weeks. Hike therapy and surf therapy were randomly assigned to equal members of the group. Depression levels were reported through both self and clinical assessments. These assessments were conducted pre-trial and post-trial.
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Both groups overall reported improvements in assessments throughout the duration of the trial. A decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety were reported. The takeaway of this study could suggest that physical activity that is low-impact and less vigorous, may be better suited for individuals suffering from depression.
Don’t like the outdoors, cardio machines, or lifting weights?
Try Yoga !
Ashtanga yoga is an enhanced form of yoga that is mindfulness-based. A study was conducted on a group of depressed and medicating participants that incorporated ashtanga yoga into their treatment, as well as a group that did not partake in ashtanga yoga. The group that participated in ashtanga yoga, reported higher levels of symptomatic improvement than the group that was only medicating and had no part in yoga. 46.81% of yoga participants reported having decreased symptoms of depression compared to the 17.02% of non-yoga participants.