Prescription Use of Exercise Therapy in Depression Treatment

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Depression has become an epidemic worldwide, with numbers of diagnosis rising each year alongside numbers of those on antidepressant medication. Exercise therapy has been long studied and tested to prove its’ efficacy in the treatment of depression, but there are no known studies to indicate how frequently it is used in practice or in what capacity it is used. Methods: A qualitative mailed interview questionnaire was completed by 21 mental health professionals to answer questions pertaining to their knowledge of exercise therapy as a treatment method. It also assessed the value they placed on exercise, personal application of exercise and exercise therapy, and their willingness to receiving training or additional education. Results: Many participants were applying exercise therapy in treatment of individuals with depression; however very few were truly prescriptive with their treatment plans. All participants of the study found value in exercise therapy. Many felt that in order to feel confident to use the method; they would need additional information and education about how to individualize and apply it. Conclusions: Despite its’ perceived and well researched value, very few mental health professionals are able to use exercise therapy in a structured or formalized way to achieve the best results. Trainings need to be created to aide in knowledge, growth and individualization of exercise therapy as well as community development. More research needs to be done to better understand what dose is most appropriate for the treatment of depression. Keywords: Exercise; Exercise therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Pharmacotherapy