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Lifestyle management of unipolar depression

journal contribution
posted on 2013-05-01, 00:00 authored by Michael BerkMichael Berk, J Sarris, Carolyn Coulson, Felice JackaFelice Jacka
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 August 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.

History

Journal

Acta psychiatrica scandinavica

Volume

127

Issue

Supplement s443

Season

Special issue : Individualized management of unipolar depression

Pagination

38 - 54

Publisher

Wiley - Blackwell Publishing

Location

Malden, Mass.

ISSN

0001-690X

eISSN

1600-0447

Language

eng

Publication classification

C Journal article; C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal