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New research suggests that running may be just as effective as antidepressants in treating depression or anxiety. However, experts caution that the solution may not be universally applicable.

Given the widespread prevalence of depression and anxiety and their detrimental impact on health, a team of researchers from Amsterdam sought to determine the most effective approach to mitigating these effects. They investigated whether antidepressants or lifestyle interventions would yield different outcomes in terms of mental health and certain aspects of physical health.

This study is the first of its kind to directly compare the effects of antidepressants with running exercises on anxiety, depression, and overall health. The findings were presented on October 6 at the annual conference of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology and were published earlier this year in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

According to a news release, Brenda Penninx, a professor of psychiatric epidemiology at Vrije University in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and coauthor of the study, stated that antidepressants are generally deemed safe and effective. She further added that they tend to be effective for the majority of individuals. It is well-established that neglecting to treat depression can result in unfavorable consequences, thus making antidepressants a generally favorable option. However, it is imperative to expand our range of treatment options, as not all patients exhibit a positive response to antidepressants or are willing to adhere to their usage.

The researchers conducted a study to examine the impact of running therapy compared to the use of an antidepressant medication, specifically escitalopram, on various health factors in a sample of 141 patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorder, or both. Over a period of 16 weeks, participants in the antidepressant group adhered to their prescribed medication regimen, while those in the running group engaged in two to three supervised 45-minute group running sessions per week.

Following the trial period, it was discovered that approximately 44% of individuals in both groups experienced a notable improvement in symptoms related to depression or anxiety. This finding suggests that both the medication and running therapy were equally effective in addressing these mental health conditions. Additionally, the running group exhibited positive changes in weight, waist size, blood pressure, and heart health, whereas the medication group experienced a slight decline in these measures.

Karmel Choi, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, who was not involved in the research, expressed the perspective that exercise has traditionally been regarded as a supplementary form of support alongside more formal treatments such as psychotherapy or medication.

The efficacy of treatment options is partly contingent upon personal perceptions or preferences, such as an individual's motivation to engage in physical exercise or apprehension regarding potential side effects of medication, according to experts. Felipe Barreto Schuch, an adjunct professor of psychiatry and mental health at the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, stated via email that "there is no reason to ask patients to choose only one of these interventions when there is no interaction between them." Schuch further added that "there are no extra risks in taking the pills and exercising. They are not mutually exclusive. Naturally, someone with depression can take both without any (harm)." Additionally, research-based challenges exist in determining the optimal treatment option. For instance, depression varies in severity, but most studies "tend to focus on milder forms of depression because they are more common and safer to study," according to Ben Singh, a research fellow in allied health at the University of South Australia, who was not involved in the study.

Furthermore, according to the study, the participants who selected antidepressants for the duration of the 16-week trial exhibited higher levels of depression compared to those who chose to engage in running.

While exercise and medication are both viable options, it is important to acknowledge that they may not be effective for all patients, as stated by Schuch. The response rates for antidepressants and exercise are approximately 50%.

Determining the best course of action depends on personalized treatment plans, according to the scientific consensus. Experts emphasize the significance of engaging in an open discussion with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the individual's specific circumstances and assist in making an informed decision tailored to their needs, as mentioned by Singh via email.

If considering using exercise as a means to alleviate depression, it is crucial to recognize that the time it takes for individuals to experience relief can vary significantly, as mentioned by Choi. While some individuals may notice improvements within a few weeks of consistently engaging in regular exercise, others may require several months of dedicated effort.

Therefore, maintaining consistency is essential, as adhering to a routine over time is more likely to yield positive effects, added Choi.