Antidepressants or exercise? Effects on depression and anxiety

Understanding the clinical impact of antidepressants and running therapy on patients with depression and anxiety disorders is crucial. This 16-week intervention study evaluates the effects of both treatments on mental and physical health outcomes. Conducted with 141 participants, the study utilized a partially randomized patient preference design. Participants received either antidepressant medication (escitalopram or sertraline) or engaged in group-based running therapy at least twice a week.

The study found that both interventions had similar mental health outcomes, with remission rates of 44.8% for the antidepressant group and 43.3% for the running therapy group. However, the treatments showed significant differences in physical health outcomes. The running therapy group experienced notable improvements in weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability, while the antidepressant group exhibited some deterioration in these metrics.

The study highlighted the importance of exercise therapy in managing depression and anxiety, particularly for improving physical health parameters. While antidepressants remain a standard treatment, incorporating running therapy could offer additional benefits, especially in reducing cardiovascular risks and improving overall physical fitness.