Exercise and depression in midlife: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the relationship of self-reported physical activity with subsequent depression and psychiatric distress.


METHODS
Physical activity was assessed in medical school and midlife in 973 physicians as part of a prospective observational study. Outcome measures were the incidence of self-reported clinical depression and psychiatric distress on the General Health Questionnaire.


RESULTS
The risk of depression was similar for nonexercisers and exercisers. No relationship was observed between physical activity level and subsequent psychiatric distress.


CONCLUSIONS
This study found no evidence that exercise reduces risk for depression or psychiatric distress.
Cooper-Patrick
L
L
Division of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md, USA.
Ford
D E
DE
Mead
L A
LA
Chang
P P
PP
Klag
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires