Fitness may prevent depression in adolescents

According to a study presented at the American Psychological Association’s 122nd Annual Convention, physically fit sixth graders and specifically girls are less likely to report feelings of depression when they reach seventh grade. Even when existing symptoms of depression and weight were considered, sixth grade girls who performed better on a cardiorespiratory fitness test had less chances of feeling depressed when they were followed up again in seventh grade.

The study used 437 students out of which 55% were girls, at six middle schools in metropolitan county in North Texas. Participants were made to answer questions about symptoms of depression and fitness. The sample consisted of 89% white and 9% African American with 27% identifying as Hispanic.
Camilo Ruggero, PhD of the University of North Texas pointed out that a similar effect of fitness was seen on the boys albeit not to the extent it was seen in girls, meaning that symptoms of depression were alleviated with fitness in boys as well, however not to the same extent as the girls.

It is quite alarming that 28% of the girls in sixth grade and 29% in seventh grade had elevated symptoms of depression. In boys 22% in seventh grade while 19% in eighth grade. According to the World Health Organization depression in adolescence is associated with a range of poor health outcomes later on and is often the main cause of disabilities in this age group. Ruggero said that depression in this age could lead to chronic depression later in life. He suggested other interventions such as one on one group therapy to prevent depression.

The study establishes a strong link between physical fitness and depression in adolescents. While it is most probably true that better fitness would lead to higher levels of life satisfaction. Much remains uncertain here, for example, the study doesn’t point out how depression was alleviated. Fitness comes from exercise, which regulates the neurotransmitters which may be involved in depression. Another possibility is that depression in adolescents may be linked with a negative self image and low self-esteem from weight problems. Fitness helps curb these emotions and perhaps that is the reason it alleviates symptoms of depression. What is required is a deeper understanding of the mental disorder itself so we can get better equipped to prevent it.

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Karen Jackson

Karen Jackson has always been passionate about technology. All the way through high-school she immersed herself in computers and web-design. Her ambitious nature helped her become a pro in Adobe Photoshop only by watching online videos and working with the program herself. This is also the program that she mostly uses in the creation of websites at her work-place. Technological innovation and gadgets that push the boundaries of what we are comfortable with have always fascinated her, so expect to see some weird gadget reviews coming from her.