title: A Pilot Study of the Views of General Practitioners Regarding Exercise for the Treatment of Depression.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the views of general practitioners (GPs) regarding exercise and the treatment of depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty GPs completed a 25-item survey investigating their knowledge, beliefs, perceived benefits and barriers, and recommendations to patients regarding exercise for the treatment of depression. The exercise habits of the GPs were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  GPs are positive toward exercise in the treatment of depression despite low levels of confidence in prescribing exercise or limited measurable benefits. Exercise patterns of GPs were not associated with GP exercise prescription habits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Education, use of support materials and referral schemes, and increasing exercise behavior among GPs may increase the use of exercise as treatment for people with depression.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Centre for Mental Health Nursing Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stanton
authors.affiliation: Central Queensland Medicare Local, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Franck
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health and Social Science Research, School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reaburn
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Centre for Mental Health Nursing Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Depression/mood disorder; mental health; physical activity/exercise