BLUF
Exercise can match or exceed antidepressants for mild to moderate depression, yet few clinicians are trained to prescribe it. The FITT framework helps tailor sustainable exercise routines, with even small amounts providing mental health benefits.Learning Outcomes
- Describe the evidence supporting exercise as an effective treatment for depression, including its potential to provide benefits comparable to antidepressant medication for mild to moderate depression.
- Explain the barriers to prescribing exercise for depression, including the lack of formal training among many mental health professionals and the need for structured guidance and support.
- Apply the FITT framework (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type) to design a personalised exercise plan that supports mental wellbeing and helps manage symptoms of depression.
