Exercise as Antidepressant: What the Largest Review Ever Tells Us

Name: Exercise as Antidepressant: What the Largest Review Ever Tells Us
Uploaded: 2026-02-08
Duration: 13 min 18 s
Description: A groundbreaking 2026 Cochrane review of 73 studies confirms exercise rivals therapy and medication for depression—but the psychology of why we don't do it anyway reveals something deeper about the condition itself.

Sunday, February 8, 2026 13:18 by The Observer

depression treatmentexercise and mental healthCochrane reviewantidepressant alternativesphysical activity depressionpsychology of motivationanhedoniabehavioral activationmental health researchdepression paradox

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A groundbreaking 2026 Cochrane review of 73 studies confirms exercise rivals therapy and medication for depression—but the psychology of why we don't do it anyway reveals something deeper about the condition itself.

Sources & References

Scientists find exercise rivals therapy for depression - ScienceDaily
Exercise for depression - Cochrane Library 2026
Exercise is as effective as medication in treating depression - NPR
The impact of high-intensity exercise on patients with depression
Association between depressive symptoms and physical exercise: mediating effects of social support
Exercise May Be as Effective as Therapy for Alleviating Depression Symptoms

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