World Health Organization, around 264 million people of all ages live with MDD. The leading cause of disability is depression, and it greatly contributes to the burden of disease.It’s well-known in the scientific community that depression stems from a complex set of factors. Lifestyle habits, genetics, childhood trauma or difficult upbringing, environment, life events, and medical conditions can cause depression.
The most common treatments for depression include therapy, antidepressants or other mood stabilizers, and/or lifestyle changes. ADVERTISEMENT While they’re viable treatment options, therapy and medication can sometimes take weeks or months to take effect. However, lifestyle changes like exercise can lead to significant improvements rather quickly.
Countless studies have shown how physical activity reduces symptoms of depression. Now, a new study reveals that exercise also helps the brain adapt to change.The study at the University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) at the Ostwestfalen-Lippe campus confirmed this dual benefit of exercise. The study was published on 9 June 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.The research proved that physical activity enhances neuroplasticity, making the brain more adaptable to change.
This aids in learning processes and acclimating to new environments and scenarios.“The results show how important seemingly simple things like physical activity are in treating and preventing illnesses such as depression,” says study leader associate professor Dr. Karin Rosenkranz.So, their symptoms create a vicious feedback loop, making it hard to break the cycle. Most people with depression know that lifestyle changes would help them feel better.
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