ABSTRACT
Depression is one of the most prevalent and disabling psychiatric disorders and affects more than 350 million individuals worldwide. It is characterized by considerable morbidity and mortality, which exacts profound personal suffering and is a staggering burden to individuals, families, and society. Depression is also highly comorbid with other mental health disorders. In terms of the developmental trajectory, depression rates are typically low in childhood (2.8%) and only begin to rise around the ages of 12–13, with rates doubling to approximately 5.6% in adolescence. In terms of treatment, barbiturates, opioids, and amphetamines were initially prescribed for depression. Although these drug treatments were efficacious in improving mood, their addictive properties and side-effect profiles resulted in their discontinued use. Exercise and physical activity are important lifestyle behaviours for the management and treatment of depression. In addition to physical activity, sedentary behaviours constitute a modifiable risk factor for the onset of depression.
