Question: Can depression be treated with simple exercise rather than antidepressant medication?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

I strongly advocate exercise to treat depression instead of medication. Antidepressant medications are overprescribed and associated with a multitude of adverse effects.

Consider a case-crossover study published in the March 15, 2011, issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. It examined 24,214 patients who had suffered a stroke to see whether there was a relationship between prior antidepressant use and the development of stroke. Antidepressant use in the two weeks before the stroke was associated with a 48 percent higher stroke risk.

Antidepressant medications have never been shown to be a superior treatment compared to simple exercise. In fact, there are multiple studies showing exercise beats antidepressant medications in treating depression.

Depression usually can be treated effectively with a holistic approach that encompasses balancing the hormonal system, as well as correcting nutrient imbalances. This approach includes eating a healthier diet and maintaining adequate hydration.

More information on antidepressant drugs can be found in my book, "Drugs That Don’t Work and Natural Therapies That Do."