A recent wave of media coverage has hailed exercise as a treatment equal to medication for depression and anxiety. Such claims are enticing, suggesting a simple, accessible solution to mental health issues. While exercise is widely recognised for its physical and mental health benefits, we must examine such bold statements with care. The study behind these headlines offers valuable insights but has been misinterpreted in many ways.
The Study in Question
The 2023 study by Verhoeven et al., which spurred these headlines, compared traditional antidepressant medications (such as Lexapro and Zoloft) with running therapy in individuals diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders. The partially randomised trial included 141 participants who either took medication or joined a group running session twice a week for 16 weeks. The results showed that remission rates for depression and anxiety were nearly the same between both groups (about 44%), with running therapy offering additional physical health benefits like reduced waist circumference and lower blood pressure.
On the surface, these findings seem to suggest that exercise could match the effects of antidepressants while also improving physical health. However, a closer look at the study’s design reveals significant limitations, calling into question the validity of these interpretations.
Key Flaws and Misinterpretations
One major flaw is that most participants (84%) selected their preferred treatment method rather than being randomly assigned, which undermines the study’s objectivity. Those who chose medication had significantly higher levels of depression at the start than those who opted for running. This difference in baseline symptoms makes it difficult to compare the effectiveness of the two treatments meaningfully. Individuals who began with milder symptoms might naturally show better improvement, regardless of the treatment itself.
Additionally, the subjective nature of mental health reporting opens the door to potential biases. Participants who chose exercise may have already believed in its benefits, creating a placebo effect that skewed their symptom reports.
What the Media Got Wrong
Media reports have suggested that this study proves exercise is as effective as medication for mental health treatment. Yet, even ignoring the study’s methodological weaknesses, the data do not support such a sweeping conclusion. Although both treatments led to similar remission rates, symptom reductions were more significant in the antidepressant group. This suggests that medication had a stronger impact on improving depression and anxiety than running therapy.
Moreover, while running clearly boosted physical health, it’s a stretch to claim that it can fully replace antidepressants for mental health management, particularly for individuals with more severe depression.
The Bigger Picture: Why Exercise Is Still Important
Despite its limitations, the study highlights an important truth: exercise is a powerful tool for improving both mental and physical health. Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance mood, improve sleep, reduce stress, and combat feelings of depression. For many people, integrating exercise into their routine can be a valuable first step toward better overall well-being.
However, it’s essential to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Exercise alone may not suffice for treating moderate to severe depression or anxiety. These conditions often require a multifaceted approach that could include medication, therapy, and other interventions alongside physical activity.
A Balanced Approach to Mental Health
While exercise is undoubtedly beneficial, it is not a cure-all for depression and anxiety. Instead of focusing on whether it can replace medication, we should recognise exercise as part of a broader, comprehensive strategy for managing mental health. The goal is not to pit exercise against medication but to combine the strengths of both approaches to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual.
In sum, while the study by Verhoeven et al. supports the value of exercise, it does not offer conclusive evidence that running is as effective as antidepressants in treating mental health conditions. Instead, it reinforces the idea that good health—both mental and physical—requires a well-rounded approach tailored to each person’s unique needs.
References
1. Verhoeven JE, Han LKM, Lever-van Milligen BA, et al. Antidepressants or running therapy: Comparing effects on mental and physical health in patients with depression and anxiety disorders. J Affect Disord. 2023;329:19-29. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.064
