Exercise beats drugs at treating depression - say chartered physiotherapists
Most physiotherapists specialising in mental healthcare say exercise is the best form of treatment for depression, according to a new survey from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

What's more, the type of exercise that can be used to treat forms of depression do not require spending loads of money. Catherine Pop Chair of the Chartered Physiotherapists in Mental Healthcare (CPMH) says: 'People with depression don't have to visit private health clubs or local leisure centres to exercise effectively. There are a number of activities people can undertake for free, such as walking and jogging, that may be beneficial in combating the effects of depression.' Pope continued: 'Depression is a serious illness which can cause people to feel absolute hopelessness where they don't see any worth in what they are doing. This can result in a loss of motivation to carry out particular activities. Depression sufferers may experience a number of symptoms such as headaches, back, neck and other generalised aches and pains. They can also suffer from sleep disorders, which could lead to discomfort."

The survey, published to coincide with National Depression Week (April 19-25), found that nearly half of respondents spend most of their time seeing patients suffering from the condition. For one in five mental healthcare physiotherapists, an enormous 70 per cent of their caseload is treating patients with depression.

57 per cent of respondents in the survey of members of the CSP clinical interest group Chartered Physiotherapists in Mental Healthcare (CPMH) claim physical activity is the most effective way to overcome mild to moderate
depression. The CSP's findings follows medical research company Dr Foster's survey of GPs who say they are over-prescribing antidepressant drugs such as Prozac and Seroxat because of the lack of other forms of treatment.

CSP SELF-HELP GUIDE TO BEATING THE BLUES
The CSP self-help guide for people with depression is a general source of information and individual needs and requirements may vary. Please consult a doctor before commencing an exercise programme. If you need further information or advice, contact the CSP clinical interest group Chartered Physiotherapists in Mental Healthcare (CPMH). If you think you are suffering from clinical depression, please consult with a doctor who can refer you to
a specialist mental healthcare physiotherapist.

'Be Proactive, Not Reactive'

Visit: Chartered Physiotherapists in Mental Healthcare