![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JohnB on April 23, 2000, at 16:10:25
In the May 2000 issue Consumer Reports, a non-scientific poll of their readers found exercise to be of benefit to 35% of those who tried it for "depression" - (magazine's word - no breakdown as to severity or kind).
They concluded with the following, "There is now good evidence (from studies?) that diet, aerobic exercise, and resistance exercise do enhance mood."
I am not hyping exercise, I myself do not exercise at the moment, just thought I pass along some info.
Posted by boB on April 23, 2000, at 17:08:27
In reply to Exercise as effective treatment, posted by JohnB on April 23, 2000, at 16:10:25
A book called "Biology of Success" cited studies that said exercise increased brain serotonin levels by as much as 50 percent. I wonder, though, if exercise can trigger the same sorts of serotonin syndromes, and serotonin upregulation as do designer pdrugs aimed at 5HT.
Posted by allisonm on April 23, 2000, at 17:15:55
In reply to Exercise as effective treatment, posted by JohnB on April 23, 2000, at 16:10:25
Absolutely right, JohnB.
My doctor gets on me periodically to exercise. I was very good a year ago, swimming 30-45 min. 3X/week. Mostly because I was gaining weight like crazy on remeron and lithium. The swimming didn't touch the weight gain.
BUT there were benefits from those endorphins. Ohh YES!! I felt better. I should be swimming. I should be doing a lot of things. I don't feel like doing anything. endless cycle, blah, blah, blah... I'm not saying anything new here.
Endorphins cost less than drugs and you don't need a prescription.
Posted by Julie on April 23, 2000, at 17:30:06
In reply to endorphins!!, posted by allisonm on April 23, 2000, at 17:15:55
When I was severely depressed, and the meds I was taking weren't working at all, I ran 4 miles every day, because it was the only thing that made me feel better. While I was running, I felt slightly better, and for about 10 minutes after I was done, I had a sense of hope, a slight lifting of the dark cloud ... the only time all day. I've been on meds that work for 7 years now, but I keep exercising regularly and plan to do it for the rest of my life. It stil feels good- though not as dramatically different as it did back then! And it gives me a sense of control and of power.
Posted by Sean on April 24, 2000, at 11:22:05
In reply to Exercise as effective treatment, posted by JohnB on April 23, 2000, at 16:10:25
> In the May 2000 issue Consumer Reports, a non-scientific poll of their readers found exercise to be of benefit to 35% of those who tried it for "depression" - (magazine's word - no breakdown as to severity or kind).
>
> They concluded with the following, "There is now good evidence (from studies?) that diet, aerobic exercise, and resistance exercise do enhance mood."
>
> I am not hyping exercise, I myself do not exercise at the moment, just thought I pass along some info.My experience is that exercise is as important as
my medication. It could be endorphins or it could
be myriad other hormones and secretory processes
which tend to get out whack in depression. My
guess is that exercise helps train our physiology
to natural cycles of activity, light, and sleep.It doesn't hurt ones physical health either, but
that concern has never motivated me to exercise!Sean.
Posted by Janice on April 24, 2000, at 12:41:47
In reply to Re: Exercise as effective treatment, posted by Sean on April 24, 2000, at 11:22:05
and, i have sometimes believed, surpasses them.
I have bipolar and adhd.
••I wonder if exercise works better for some disorders than others?
••Or if exercise works better for some individuals than others?Because I do know that in the midst of a bad depression, even I, who loves to exercise Couldn't, Wouldn't, Can't.
Janice
Posted by Cam W. on April 24, 2000, at 13:10:49
In reply to running equals the best of my medications…, posted by Janice on April 24, 2000, at 12:41:47
Janice - Exercise is good for everyone's health, whether they have a mental disorder or not. I find that I am much more alert, have more energy and stamina since joining karate. Sometimes I do have to push myself to go, but I am always glad that I did.For me, I cannot exercise for exercising sake. I just wouldn't keep doing it. That is why I need a structured format for exercising. This could be an aquacise or aerobics group, a running club or any other type of execise where others motivate you. I cannot motivate myself, so I am in a karate club.
The important thing is that the exercise should not be too hard, especially at first. Too much, too soon will demotivate you (and also hurt). The adage "no pain, no gain" is false. Any exercise that increases your heart rate can be good, unless a medical condition prevents you from doing so.
If you have not exercised in a while, it may be wise to check with your doctor on an exercise that would be appropriate for you. For example, a hard cardiavascular workout may not be the best idea for someone with heart problems. Always start slow and work your way up to a vigorous exercise.
Hope this helps (healthy body = healthy mind - to a point) - Cam W.
Posted by ash on April 24, 2000, at 15:58:39
In reply to running equals the best of my medications…, posted by Janice on April 24, 2000, at 12:41:47
> I notice absoulutely no mood-lifting effect from exercise. I've tried different forms of aerobic exercise ( running, bicycling), at various intensisties and for long and short times, as well as strength training. There is no doubt about the physical benefits, in keeping body fat under control and toning muscles. But mentally, it is as if I have no endorphins. I have no idea what a "runner's high" feels like.
After exercise, at best I feel the same as before and at worst, I feel even more tired and just want to rest.
Anybody else feel this way?
ash
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.