How effective is exercise for treating depression, and how can we help more people use it as a cornerstone of treatment?

The last decade we have seen mounting evidence that exercise can play a big role in mental health through a variety of mechanisms.

In this interview, Dr. Nick Fabiano, a psychiatry resident and researcher, shares his innovative approach to using exercise as a therapeutic intervention, drawing from his recent co-authored paper.

In this interview you’ll learn:

Why exercise is comparable to antidepressants and therapy in treating mild to moderate depression.
How a holistic, lifestyle-based approach can complement traditional treatments.
The mechanisms linking exercise to improved mental health, including metabolic health benefits and social interaction.
How to personalize exercise prescriptions for individuals based on their physical and mental health needs.
Challenges of integrating exercise into psychiatric care

Movement is a core pillar of our THINK + SMART program, embodying the 'M' in the acronym. Exercise not only has the remarkable ability to provide an immediate boost to mood and mental clarity but also fosters long-term adaptations that support both metabolic and mental health. As the field of metabolic psychiatry continues to grow, we are optimistic that exercise will become a foundational component in the standard of care for mental health treatment.

Expert Featured:

Nicholas Fabiano, MD

X: @NTFabiano

Studies Mentioned:

How to Prescribe Physical Activity for Depression

*https://doi.org/10.1024/2674-0052/a000099**

Importance of Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type (FITT) in Physical Activity Assessment for Epidemiological Research

https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404889

The Effect of Exercise on Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.071

CMEs Mentioned

Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope

https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616

Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness

https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615

Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, including interviews with leading experts in metabolic psychiatry.

Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/.

Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.

Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/

About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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