A patient asks if exercise would help her depression.Which response best describes the relationship of exercise and depression? Select all that apply.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Exercise can improve self-concept and potentially shift neurochemical balance.Exercise increases serotonin availability and dampens the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocorticoid (HPA)axis activity,which is believed to be overly active in depression.People with depression who exercise regularly report feeling an elevated mood,a greater sense of happiness,and being more involved socially.Exercise results in fewer side effects than antidepressants,and by stimulating peristalsis,can help reduce constipation.Saying,"It wouldn't hurt to try it,I guess…" implies that exercise is likely to be of limited value at best,which is neither true nor therapeutic.Exercise does not increase the effectiveness of medication but does in fact help reduce depression itself.

A Patient Asks If Exercise Would Help Her Depression