Objectives. This study examines the relationship of self-reported phys
ical activity with subsequent depression and psychiatric distress. Met
hods. Physical activity was assessed in medical school and midlife in
973 physicians as part of a prospective observational study. Outcome m
easures were the incidence of self-reported clinical depression and ps
ychiatric distress on the General Health Questionnaire. Results. The r
isk of depression was similar for nonexercisers and exercisers. No rel
ationship was observed between physical activity level and subsequent
psychiatric distress. Conclusions. This study found no evidence that e
xercise reduces risk for depression or psychiatric distress.