A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders by a team of Dutch researchers has found that group-based running therapy is as effective as antidepressants for improving mental health in patients with anxiety and depression, while offering superior physical health benefits.
Background
Anxiety and depressive disorders impact both mental and physical health, affecting immunity, strength, and heart health. Antidepressants are widely used following psychotherapy, but their effectiveness and side effects vary among patients. Exercise therapy has emerged as an alternative, showing comparable efficacy to psychotherapy and antidepressants for mild to moderate depression, and as a complementary treatment for severe depression. However, fewer studies have examined its impact on anxiety.
Given the different pathophysiological mechanisms involved, the researchers aimed to compare the effects of antidepressants and exercise therapy on both mental and physical health outcomes.
About the Study
The 16-week intervention study involved patients aged 18 to 70 with major depressive disorder or anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia). Exclusions included recent antidepressant use, regular exercise, acute suicidal risk, pregnancy, or contraindications to the interventions.
Participants were assigned to either a group running therapy or an antidepressant regimen. Escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor known for its effectiveness and low side effects, was used. Participants kept diaries and logs to ensure adherence. The running group engaged in 45 minutes of supervised outdoor running two to three times per week, monitored by heart rate monitors to ensure compliance.
Researchers assessed mental health outcomes (diagnosis status, symptom severity) and physical health outcomes (immune and metabolic health, heart rate variability, lung function, body weight, fitness, hand grip strength). Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, along with inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein).
Results
The study found that mental health outcomes were similar for both interventions, but running therapy significantly outperformed antidepressants in physical health measures. Improvements were noted in body weight, waist circumference, heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood pressure in the running group. Additionally, running therapy showed better outcomes for C-reactive protein and triglyceride levels.
Adherence rates differed significantly, with 82% for antidepressants compared to 52% for running therapy. This finding suggests that adherence should be considered when recommending treatments for anxiety and depression.
Conclusions
The study concluded that while both interventions effectively reduce anxiety and depression, running therapy offers substantial physical health benefits that antidepressants do not. Antidepressant use was associated with increased blood pressure, waist circumference, and triglycerides, along with lower heart rate variability, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Conversely, running therapy improved metabolic and cardiovascular indicators, highlighting the importance of incorporating exercise into treatment plans for anxiety and depression.
