Exercise Shows Equal Effectiveness to Antidepressants in Clinical Trials for Depression

What was said

"People have done randomized trials of physical training, physical fitness, and have demonstrated moderately effective shifts in mood equivalent to what you'd see with antidepressant drugs."

Professor Bullmore cites randomized controlled trials showing physical exercise produces mood improvements equivalent to pharmaceutical antidepressants for treating depression. He explains the mechanism works through exercise's anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which then impacts brain function. This suggests doctors could prescribe exercise as an equally effective alternative to medication for many patients.