GPs Prefer Exercise As a Cure for Depression
February 7, 2008
THE number of doctors prescribing gym classes and Pilates to cure depression has soared, a report reveals today.
More than one in five GPs refers patients for exercise “therapy” on the NHS a four-fold increase in three years. A study to be published tomorrow says the treatment can be as effective as anti- depressants in treating anxiety and mild depression.
Concerns over the impact and cost of anti-depressants are behind the surge in exercise therapy. But the Mental Health Foundation will also warn a postcode lottery among health trusts means more than half the doctors in Britain are unable to refer patients for exercise..
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