title: Lifestyle management of unipolar depression.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To be used in conjunction with 'Pharmacological management of unipolar depression' [Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):6-23] and 'Psychological management of unipolar depression' [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):24-37]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for lifestyle modifications in depression, derived from a literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search of pertinent literature was conducted up to August 2012 in the area of lifestyle factors and depression. A narrative review was then conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is evidence that level of physical activity plays a role in the risk of depression, and there is a large and validated evidence base for exercise as a therapeutic modality. Smoking and alcohol and substance misuse appear to be independent risk factors for depression, while the new epidemiological evidence supports the contention that diet is a risk factor for depression; good quality diets appear protective and poor diets increase risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lifestyle modification, with a focus on exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol, may be of substantial value in reducing the burden of depression in individuals and the community.
authors.affiliation: IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia. mikebe@barwonhealth.org.au
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sarris
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Coulson
authors.forename: F N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Jacka
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D032763:Behavior Control / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009043:Motor Activity; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology