In patients with major depressive disorder, how does the implementation of a consistent exercise regime compared to no exercise regimen, affect patient symptoms such as mood, energy level, and sleep disturbances?
Molloy Faculty Mentor
Dr. Patricia Roth
Presenter Major
Nursing
Presentation Type
Poster
Location
Wilbur 2nd Floor Corridor, Wilbur Arts Building, Molloy University
Start Date
1-5-2026 10:30 AM
End Date
1-5-2026 11:15 AM
Description (Abstract)
Background: Nursing literature regarding physical activity and its effect on MDD is faint. Existing literature focuses on the relationship between exercise and neurotransmitters to improve overall mood.
Aims: This was an EBP project with no human participants to understand the relationship between exercise and mild anxiety/MDD on decreasing the severity of symptoms
Interventions: Evidence supporting best practice for management of MDD symptoms prioritizes pharmacotherapy. However, the current standard is sparse on implementing supplemental symptom management as well as the patient's own activity level.
Evaluations: Relative nursing literature showed that in an isolated diagnosis of anxiety or depression exercise can be an alternative treatment.
Discussion: MDD is complex with an interplay of environmental, psychological, genetic, and biological factors. Therefore, making the single cause unknown and treatment difficult to procure. Patients’ own activity levels can inadvertently play a role in MDD development. If MDD does not get effective treatment symptoms can become life threatening.
Related Pillar(s)
Study
In patients with major depressive disorder, how does the implementation of a consistent exercise regime compared to no exercise regimen, affect patient symptoms such as mood, energy level, and sleep disturbances?
Wilbur 2nd Floor Corridor, Wilbur Arts Building, Molloy University
Background: Nursing literature regarding physical activity and its effect on MDD is faint. Existing literature focuses on the relationship between exercise and neurotransmitters to improve overall mood.
Aims: This was an EBP project with no human participants to understand the relationship between exercise and mild anxiety/MDD on decreasing the severity of symptoms
Interventions: Evidence supporting best practice for management of MDD symptoms prioritizes pharmacotherapy. However, the current standard is sparse on implementing supplemental symptom management as well as the patient's own activity level.
Evaluations: Relative nursing literature showed that in an isolated diagnosis of anxiety or depression exercise can be an alternative treatment.
Discussion: MDD is complex with an interplay of environmental, psychological, genetic, and biological factors. Therefore, making the single cause unknown and treatment difficult to procure. Patients’ own activity levels can inadvertently play a role in MDD development. If MDD does not get effective treatment symptoms can become life threatening.
