Study finds that improving diet and physical activity can be as effective as therapy for treating low-grade depression.
A study found that improving diet and physical activity can be as effective as therapy with a psychologist in treating low-grade depression.
The study targeted individuals in Victoria with elevated distress levels, offering group-based sessions focusing on nutrition and movement goals.
Results showed similar reductions in depressive symptoms for both the lifestyle program and the psychotherapy program.
The findings suggest that allied health professionals specializing in diet and exercise could help address mental health workforce shortages.
Training, upskilling, and Medicare subsidies are needed to support dietitians and exercise physiologists in treating mental health issues.
A study conducted in Australia found that improving diet and increasing physical activity can be just as effective as therapy with a psychologist for treating low-grade depression. The research was the first to directly compare lifestyle therapies with psychological therapies for depression. The study involved group-based sessions conducted via Zoom, with participants receiving either a lifestyle program focused on diet and exercise or psychotherapy using cognitive behavioral therapy. Both groups showed a reduction in symptoms of depression, with the lifestyle program being slightly cheaper to deliver.
The findings suggest that allied health professionals specializing in diet and exercise could help address the increasing demand for mental health services in Australia, especially in light of nationwide shortages of mental health professionals. Integrating lifestyle therapies with psychology sessions could provide multi-disciplinary care and prove particularly effective for those on waitlists to see a psychologist. However, barriers such as lack of Medicare subsidies for sessions with dietitians and exercise physiologists need to be addressed to support their involvement in treating mental health issues.
