Researchers at the Free University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands explored how a running program compared with standard antidepressant treatment for anxiety and depression symptoms. The study reported findings from a trial published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Depression and anxiety disorders often occur together, yet they are distinct conditions. Typical treatments include antidepressants and psychotherapy, but some people do not respond well to medication or experience side effects.
A growing body of evidence suggests exercise might serve as a substitute for antidepressants. To investigate this possibility, researchers designed a 16‑week study that looked at symptom severity and several physical health indicators under two different approaches: continued antidepressant therapy and an organized running program. The trial enrolled 141 adults diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders. Participants chose between initiating antidepressants or engaging in running therapy, while those who could not decide were randomly assigned to one of the two options.
In the antidepressant arm, participants started with a daily 10 mg dose of escitalopram. The running intervention consisted of supervised outdoor jogging for 45 minutes, prescribed two or three times per week. The running sessions were delivered in a controlled setting to ensure safety and consistency, while participants in the medication group followed a clinically guided pharmacological plan.
Across the groups, a substantial portion of participants preferred exercise as their primary mode of treatment. In numbers, 96 individuals joined the running program, and 45 received antidepressant therapy. The study found that the rate of robust symptom relief, defined as a complete or nearly complete reduction in symptoms, was similar between groups. About 43% of the running group and 45% of the antidepressant group achieved significant improvement.
Beyond symptom changes, the trial tracked health-related metrics to assess broader impacts on physical well-being. Participants in the running group showed favorable trends in several factors: lower resting heart rate, smaller waist measurements, and improved lung function. In contrast, the antidepressant group experienced modest weight gain, a slight rise in diastolic blood pressure, and higher triglyceride levels. These differences highlight potential cardiovascular and metabolic implications associated with each treatment approach.
Overall, the findings suggest that sustained aerobic exercise can offer mood benefits comparable to those of standard antidepressant therapy for individuals with depression and anxiety disorders, while also supporting broader physical health gains. The results align with a growing emphasis on lifestyle interventions as part of comprehensive mental health care, reinforcing the idea that exercise may be a viable option for those seeking nonpharmacological strategies or supplementary support in managing these conditions. Further long‑term research could help clarify which patients are most likely to benefit from running as a primary treatment and how exercise may be best integrated with pharmacological or psychotherapeutic approaches. Attribution: Journal of Affective Disorders.