Exercise or Pills for Depression? Study Finds Pros and Cons to Both
Well, I know what to expect from a “social” “science” “study”, but let’s look anyway.
First problem:
The volunteers were asked if they were willing to be randomly assigned into these groups, and if not, picked the one they preferred. Most went with their upfront preference, and about two-thirds chose exercise.
You don’t have an experiment at all if you let people pick the group.
Second problem:
Those who exercised also lost some weight and had improved blood pressure and general heart function on average, while those taking antidepressants saw a slight weight gain and an increase in blood pressure. At the same time, only 52% of the participants in the running group fully adhered to the program, compared to 82% of those on antidepressants, despite exercise being the preferred choice for most.
This is exactly what I expected from such a “study”. Running is NOT the way to get into exercise if you’re not already an athlete. Running will be FRUSTRATING and ANNOYING and PAINFUL. You’ll develop muscle pains and joint pains quickly, and you’ll get tired and discouraged. Exactly precisely what you DON’T NEED when you’re already frustrated and annoyed and discouraged.
The study was obviously meant to fail, meant to push pills.
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