title: [Physical activity is just as good as CBT or drugs for depression].
abstract: In this article on the effect of physical activity on depression, data have been drawn from several meta-analyses, in particular, the latest Cochrane review entitled »Exercise for depression« published in 2013. The results show that physical activity can help prevent the onset and relapse of depression. Depressed people should be recommended aerobic or muscular strength training. There is clear evidence that physical activity alone is beneficial for the treatment of mild and moderate depression and can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression to the same extent as standard treatments (psychotherapy and antidepressant medication). Combining physical activity with these treatments may yield additional benefits. Individuals with depression should be recommended physical activity in adjunct to psychotherapy and medication.
authors.affiliation: Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan - Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan - Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.affiliation: Psykologiska fakulteten - Universitetet i Bergen, Solli DPS Nestun, Norway Psykologiska fakulteten - Universitetet i Bergen, Solli DPS Nestun, Norway.
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hovland
authors.affiliation: Psykiatriska öppenvårdsmottagningen - Karolinska Institutet Huddinge, Sweden Psykiatriska öppenvårdsmottagningen - Karolinska Institutet Huddinge, Sweden.
authors.forename: Bengt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kjellman
authors.affiliation: Själ och Kropp - Stockholm, Sweden Själ och Kropp - Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Taube
authors.affiliation: Kliniken för psykisk hälsa och beroende, Oslo Universitetssjukhus - Universitetet i Oslo Oslo, Norway Kliniken för psykisk hälsa och beroende, Oslo Universitetssjukhus - Universitetet i Oslo Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Egil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martinsen
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D000075202:Contraindications; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents