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Lifestyle management of unipolar depression
Author(s) -
Berk M.,
Sarris J.,
Coulson C. E.,
Jacka F. N.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/acps.12124
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , narrative review , management of depression , epidemiology , medicine , risk factor , psychiatry , physical activity , psychology , clinical psychology , alternative medicine , physical therapy , intensive care medicine , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
Objective To be used in conjunction with ‘Pharmacological management of unipolar depression’ [Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013; 127 (Suppl. 443):6–23] and ‘Psychological management of unipolar depression’ [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013; 127 (Suppl. 443):24–37]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for lifestyle modifications in depression, derived from a literature review. Method A search of pertinent literature was conducted up to A ugust 2012 in the area of lifestyle factors and depression. A narrative review was then conducted. Results There is evidence that level of physical activity plays a role in the risk of depression, and there is a large and validated evidence base for exercise as a therapeutic modality. Smoking and alcohol and substance misuse appear to be independent risk factors for depression, while the new epidemiological evidence supports the contention that diet is a risk factor for depression; good quality diets appear protective and poor diets increase risk. Conclusion Lifestyle modification, with a focus on exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol, may be of substantial value in reducing the burden of depression in individuals and the community.