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A Pilot Study of the Views of G eneral P ractitioners Regarding Exercise for the Treatment of Depression
Author(s) -
Stanton Robert,
Franck Chris,
Reaburn Peter,
Happell Brenda
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/ppc.12088
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , referral , medicine , global positioning system , physical therapy , medical prescription , family medicine , nursing , telecommunications , computer science , economics , macroeconomics
Purpose To investigate the views of general practitioners (GPs) regarding exercise and the treatment of depression. Design and Methods Twenty GPs completed a 25‐item survey investigating their knowledge, beliefs, perceived benefits and barriers, and recommendations to patients regarding exercise for the treatment of depression. The exercise habits of the GP s were also recorded. Findings GP s are positive toward exercise in the treatment of depression despite low levels of confidence in prescribing exercise or limited measurable benefits. Exercise patterns of GP s were not associated with GP exercise prescription habits. Practice Implications Education, use of support materials and referral schemes, and increasing exercise behavior among GP s may increase the use of exercise as treatment for people with depression.