ABSTRACT
Depression is a major health problem today, and the lifetime risk for having a major depressive disorder in the community has been estimated to vary from 10% to 25% for women and from 5% to 12% for men. In addition, the lifetime risk for dysthymic disorders is approximately 6% (APA, 1994). The standard forms of therapy are antidepressant medication or various forms of psychotherapy, or both, as well as ECT in severe cases. The costs for treating depression are escalating, and the health care system will never be able to meet the need for treatment presented by this large group of patients. Furthermore, many patients do not receive treatment. If a simple and inexpensive approach such as physical activity were shown to be effective in the treatment or prevention of depression, this could have a significant impact on public health.
