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Themed Review: Anxiety/Depression

Lifestyle Medicine Approaches

Modum Bad, Vikersund, Norway, egil.Martinsen{at}modum-bad.no.

John S. Raglin, PhD

Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington

Anxiety and depressive disorders are major public health problems, and desirable changes in lifestyle, such as exercise and proper nutrition, can be of great potential for prevention and treatment. There is growing evidence that physically active people are at a reduced risk of developing depression and that exercise interventions are associated with significant benefits for patients with mild to moderate forms of depression as well as in reducing anxiety. These findings have led to the proposal that exercise may serve as an alternative or a supplement to traditional forms of therapy. The prevalence of depression is lower in countries where the consumption of seafood is high, and omega-3 fatty acids seem to be beneficial in the management of mood disorders. Stimulants are often used as forms of self-medication in patients with anxiety or depressive disorders. Although providing short-term relief, they may have long-term adverse effects. This article presents a broad overview of research involving the efficacy of exercise as a means to treat depression and anxiety, as well as related issues regarding dosage and compliance. Research on the influence of nutrition and selected dietary supplements on depression and anxiety also are presented.

Key Words: anxiety • depression • exercise • nutrition • nicotine

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