Bedbugs: Sadiq Khan reassures Londoners over France problems
The mayor says he does not think a bedbug infestation will spread across the Tube or bus network.
2023-10-10 17:15
On this day in history, October 10, 1845, US Naval Academy was established following a mutiny on USS Somers
The Naval Academy was founded to improve the instruction given to midshipmen, who serve the lowest commissioned ranks of the US Navy and Marine Corps
2023-10-10 16:59
Scientists find what works best for depression – antidepressants or running
Scientists have found that a 16-week regimen of running has similar effect for mental health as antidepressants taken over the same period, an advance that may lead to better treatment guidelines for patients. Running, however, showed more benefits compared to antidepressants, whose effects on physical health slightly worsened over time, say researchers, including those from Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam. Despite this, the yet-to-be peer-reviewed study presented at the 36th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress, found that adherence to running was lower than to medication. The first-of-its-kind study compared the effects of antidepressants with running exercises for anxiety, depression, and overall health in over 140 patients. The research found that while both have the same benefits for mental health, a 16-week course of running over the same period scored higher in terms of physical health improvement, whereas antidepressants lead to a slightly worse physical condition. Scientists, including Brenda Penninx from VU, also found that the drop-out rate was much higher in the group that initially chose exercise. In the study, patients were offered a choice of treatment of either SSRI antidepressants for 16 weeks, or group-based running therapy for 16 weeks. Forty-five of the participants chose antidepressants – SSRI Escitalopram for 16 weeks – while 96 participated in running that included aiming for two to three closely supervised 45-minute group sessions per week for the same period. Researchers say members of the group which chose antidepressants were slightly more depressed than the members of the group that chose to take running. “This study gave anxious and depressed people a real-life choice, medication or exercise. Interestingly, the majority opted for exercise, which led to the numbers in the running group being larger than in the medication group,” Dr Penninx said. Antidepressant treatment required patients to adhere to their prescribed medication, and was not found to directly impact daily behaviors. However, exercise was found to also address sedentary lifestyles often found in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders by encouraging them to go outside, set personal goals, improve their fitness, and participate in a group activity. But researchers also found that adherence to protocol was lower in the running group than in the antidepressant group, despite the initial preference for running over antidepressants. While at the end of the trial, about half the number of participants in both groups showed improvement in depression and anxiety, the running group also had improvements in physical health markers like blood pressure, heart function, and weight. The antidepressant group, on the other hand, showed slight deterioration in these metabolic markers, the study noted. “Antidepressants generally had a worse impact on body weight, heart rate variability, and blood pressure, whereas running therapy led to improved effects on general fitness and heart rate for instance,” Dr Penninx said. While antidepressants have been found to be safe and effective, working for most people, scientists call for extending the treatment arsenal by implementing exercise therapy. “Telling patients to go run is not enough. Changing physical activity behavior will require adequate supervision and encouragement as we did by implementing exercise therapy in a mental health care institution,” Dr Pennix added. Read More Postnatal depression drug ‘shows benefits five years on’ John Fetterman wants people to stop fussing about his use of captioning technology Mental health ‘top reason for children contacting Childline’ Largest study of centenarian blood reveals secrets to longevity Scientists map where 27 different types of love are felt in the body Biggest ever solar storm identified using ancient tree rings
2023-10-10 16:58
Where to buy Travis Kelce's brown cargos? Chiefs star trolled for wearing 'Taylor Swift's curtains'
For the most recent Chiefs game, Kelce arrived dressed in a pair of brown velvet cargo pants, a silky white button-up shirt, and matching Nikes
2023-10-10 16:56
Calls grow for Ilhan Omar, AOC, Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib to be expelled from Congress
A group of far-left House Democrats have ignited a controversy with their statements after Hamas' attack on Israel
2023-10-10 16:55
How tall is Michael Strahan? Ex- NFL star is tallest person to travel to space on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket
Michael Strahan created history by flying onboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket
2023-10-10 16:55
Israel arming volunteer guards in border communities, Jewish-Arab towns
JERUSALEM Israel would on Tuesday begin distributing thousands of assault rifles to volunteer first-response teams in border communities
2023-10-10 16:55
Mark Ruffalo's safe Israel-Hamas war post accused of being AI-generated, Internet says 'pick a side'
Mark Ruffalo has joined the growing list of celebrities facing criticism for their comments on the conflict between Hamas and Israel
2023-10-10 16:53
Paige Spiranac stuns fans in 'Halloween costume' as golf influencer dresses up as Cowboys cheerleader: 'This felt fitting for NFL'
Paige Spiranac dressed up as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader in a Halloween costume, showcasing her impressive figure
2023-10-10 16:51
Under heavy bombing, Palestinians in Gaza move from place to place, only to discover nowhere is safe
Tens of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are packed into United Nations shelters as Israeli warplanes pound the tiny territory of 2.3 million people after their Hamas militant rulers launched an unprecedented weekend attack on Israel
2023-10-10 16:51
Israel says 1,500 Hamas militants dead after battles near Gaza
Israel pounded Hamas targets in Gaza Tuesday and said the bodies of 1,500 Islamist militants were found in southern towns recaptured by the army in gruelling...
2023-10-10 16:50
Daimler Truck premieres new eActros 600 in step towards all-electric shift
BERLIN Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the European division of commercial vehicle maker Daimler Truck, premiered its battery-electric long-haul truck eActros
2023-10-10 16:28
