Prescribed exercise denied for depression
People with depression are still being denied exercise on prescription, a report by the Mental Health Foundation suggests. *
Clinical guidelines recommend exercise for the treatment of the symptoms of mild or moderate depression.
But, according to the Mental Health Foundation, only half of the country's GPs have access to exercise referral schemes for people with depression.
One in six people suffer from depression, and more cases are predicted due to the recession. Prescriptions for antidepressants are reported to have almost doubled in the last 10 years, but evidence shows that prescribing a supervised exercise programme can be as effective as antidepressants in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.
The report suggests that lack of funding limits the number of referral schemes available for patients. But it also shows many GPs are unaware of the schemes in their area.
Dr Mike Dixon, chairman of the NHS Alliance, said doctors should do more to make exercise schemes more accessible to their patients.
He said: “There is certainly a role for such a straightforward, simple treatment for depression.
"It is a great pity that doctors tend to press the biomedical button, rather than one which enables patients to help themselves.
"Unfortunately, we are taught so much at medical school to look for a biomedical solution involving drugs or procedures, rather than to consider self-help options."
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends that patients should follow a structured course of exercise of up to three sessions of 45-60 minutes per week.
Westfield’s health club concession benefit provides policyholders with access to special concessionary membership deals at a wide range of UK health and fitness clubs.
In addition, the Westfield GP telephone consultation service is available 24 hours a day, every day and from anywhere in the world. GPs can discuss all areas related to health, including exercise and nutrition.
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Reference
* http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8123748.stm
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