Posted by greywolf on April 7, 2006, at 15:58:44
In reply to Re: Drugs versus Psychotherapy - Backlash? » greywolf, posted by linkadge on April 7, 2006, at 15:32:16
> I think thats where people misunderstand. Exercise has been used in major depressive disorder. Exercise has been shown (not always) to be effective in major depressive disorder. Then again, no antidepressant drug has been show to be always effective in major depressive disorder.
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> So you've got drugs (partially effective) and exercise (partially effective), I don't see how it is fair to say that exercise should be taken out of the equation.
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> There are plenty of reasons that it might be effective.
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> Enhanced BDNF expression, enhanced NGF expression, enhanced NT-3 expression, enhanced GDNF expression, enhaced GAP-43 epression, ehnaced IGF-1 release, ehanced 5-ht1a recetor expression, activation of the endocannabanoid system, ehnaced anandamide activity, hpa axis downregulation, increased release of phenyethylamine PEA, neurotransmitter system downregulation, 5-ht1b autorecetor downregulation, enhanced dentage gyrus neurogenesis, the list goes on.
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> I think it is a mistake to take it out of the equation.
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> Linkadge--I certainly would never say to take exercise out of the equation. Health benefits from any safe source--especially one that gets you out and active--must be generally helpful and, therefore, advisable.
But even my GP, who's a world-class runner (Olympic trials level), recognizes that exercise can do a lot, but has distinct limits when it comes to severe depression and bipolar. Sure, he will encourage me to drop a few pounds and generally get into better condition [I regularly hover at 25-30 lbs above my recommended weight, but I look damn good doing it ;) ], but it's more of a bit of good advice for everyone regardless of physical or mental malady.
But I think your advice is sound, Link. Exercise if and when you can and you will usually feel a benefit, and sometimes it will be significant enough to warrant doing more of it.
poster:greywolf
thread:629584
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060403/msgs/630205.html