Summary: Engaging in an #exercise program reduced #suicidalthoughts and actions in patients with #mental and physical health problems who previously had #suicidalideations

Source: University of Ottawa

A new study from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine found #patients with #mental or physical illness were able to successfully adhere to #exercise regimes despite previous thinking, resulting in decreased #suicideattempts.

The findings cast doubt on the misconception that #patients suffering from #mental or physical illness are not motivated to participate in a physical #exercise regime, which has similar efficacy to antidepressants and cognitive #behavioraltherapy in the treatment of #depression. It’s effect on #suicidalbehaviors, however, was unclear.

A new study from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine found #patients with #mental or physical illness were able to successfully adhere to exercise regimes despite previous thinking, resulting in decreased #suicideattempts. Image is in the public domain

“This misconception has led to primary care providers under-prescribing exercise, resulting in further deterioration of #patients’ #mental and physical health,” says Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, a psychiatry resident and lead author of the study with medical student Arnav Gupta.

“The findings of this study “debunk” this belief as #exercise was well tolerated in those with #mental or physical illness. Therefore, providers should not have apprehension about prescribing exercise to these #patients.”

Under the supervision of Dr. Marco Solmi and Dr. Jess Feidorowicz from the Department of Psychiatry, Fabiano and Gupta evaluated 17 randomized control trials with over 1,000 participants to deduct their findings.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

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About this #exercise and #mentalhealth research news

Author: Paul LogothetisSource: University of OttawaContact: Paul Logothetis – University of OttawaImage: The image is in the public domain

Original Research: Open access.“The effect of #exercise on #suicidalbehaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” by Nicholas Fabiano et al. Journal of Affective Disorders

Abstract

The effect of exercise on #suicidalbehaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Although #exercise may positively impact those with #mental or other medical illnesses, there is a lack of understanding on how it influences #suicidalideation or risk.

Methods

We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and PsycINFO from inception to June 21, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating #exercise and #suicidalideation in subject with #mental or physical conditions were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcome was #suicidalideation. We assessed bias of studies with risk of bias tool 2.

Results

We identified 17 RCTs encompassing 1021 participants. #Depression was the most included condition (71?%, k?=?12). Mean follow up was 10.0?weeks (SD?=?5.2). Post-intervention #suicidalideation (SMD?=?-1.09, CI -3.08–0.90, p?=?0.20, k?=?5) was not significantly different between #exercise and control groups. #Suicideattempts were significantly reduced in participants randomized to exercise interventions as compared to inactive controls (OR?=?0.23, CI 0.09–0.67, p?=?0.04, k?=?2). Fourteen studies (82?%) were at high risk of bias.

Limitations

This meta-analysis is limited by few, and underpowered and heterogenous studies.

Conclusion

Overall, our meta-analysis did not find a significant decrease in #suicidalideation or mortality between #exercise and control groups. However, #exercise did significantly decrease #suicideattempts. Results should be considered preliminary, and more and larger studies assessing suicidality in RCTs testing #exercise are needed.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-exercise-decreases-suicideattempts-in-those-with-mental-and-physical-illness/