EXERCISE AND DEPRESSION IN MIDLIFE - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

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.