U.S. physicians prescribe exercise for patients with physical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Pharmaceuticals are their frequent choice for mood disorders. The situation is different for the British.
The BBC reported on a recent study on prescribing habits for depression. In the U.K., non-pharmaceutical solutions are being sought and studied. Physicians there. are more frequently prescribing exercise for depression, and report that their patients are pleased with the results. Two hundred general practitioners (GPs) were surveyed by the Mental Health Foundation, who found that 22% suggest exercise for mild depression. Just three years ago, the number was only 5%. According to the BBC article, research indicates that exercise helps people to establish a more positive self-image and reduce isolation, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms.
Commentary: for years I have been concerned about the increasing "medicalization" of our culture, and about applying medical treatment for non-medical conditions (e.g., school performance). A question we should continually ask ourselves is at what level does discomfort constitute a medical condition? People with serious medical conditions should, of course, see their physicians.
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