GPs turn to exercise for treating depression

Research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that 22 per cent prescribe exercise as one of the three most common treatments for depression, compared with just five per cent three years ago.  However, the foundation warned that it is still not widely available - with less than half of GPs able to access a scheme.

The findings come after successive research papers have shown that exercise can be as effective as some drugs in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.

Andrew McCulloch, the chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: ‘Depression is a complex illness - it is important that GPs have a range of treatments to offer and that people with depression have a choice.’