Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior may be early risk factors for depression in adolescence.
Depression is the most common mental health disorder worldwide. Data indicate that more than 11 percent of adolescents living in the United States may have depression. Findings from a recent study suggest that low physical activity and high sedentary behavior may be risk factors for depression in adolescents.
Symptoms of depression often first occur during adolescence, so identifying ways to prevent the condition is important. Physical activity reduces inflammation (a driver of depression) and promotes a wide range of neurogenic and neuroprotective responses that mediate depressive symptoms.
The study was based on data collected from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort, a study of children born in England during 1991 and 1992. The authors of the study looked at associations between the amount of time spent engaging in physical activity (light, moderate, or vigorous) or sedentary behavior in 4,257 participants who exhibited depressive symptoms at 18 years of age. They measured the teens' activity levels with accelerometers at three separate time points (12, 14, and 16 years of age) to monitor changes in activity levels that typically occur during adolescence. The participants completed questionnaires about their mood to assess depressive symptoms.
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The data revealed that light activity decreased and sedentary behavior increased throughout adolescence, and these changes in activity levels were associated with increased depressive symptoms at the age of 18 years. The teens who had high or average sedentary behavior levels between the ages of 12 and 16 years had significantly more symptoms of depression compared to those who were more active. In fact, for every additional hour of sedentary behavior per day, participants exhibited an 8 to 11 percent increase in their depression symptoms score at 18 years. Conversely, every additional hour of light activity per day was associated with an 8 to 11 percent decrease in depression score.
These findings suggest that interventions targeted at increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior among teens may reduce the risk of developing depression. Watch this video in which Dr. Rhonda Patrick talks about her love of cycling for its powerful mood-enhancing effects and describes the compelling science that suggests exercise is a powerful tool for preventing or managing the symptoms of depression and mental illness.