A Treatment Paradigm Shift: The Consideration of the Effects of Exercise on Major Depressive Disorder and Depressive Symptoms General Guidelines for Creating an Effective Poster Posters need to be read by attendees from a distance of 3 feet or more, so lettering on illustrations should be large and legible. The title should be in very large type, 84 pt. or larger. Do NOT use all capitals for titles and headings. It makes them hard to read. Text on panels should be between 18 and 24 pt. to be legible. Use double or 1.5 spacing between lines of text. Keep each panel relatively short and to the point. More than 25 lines won't get read, but 15 to 18 usually will. Framing the text by putting a box around it will also help readers to focus. Choose a simple font such as Times, Helvetica or Prestige Elite and stick with it. Avoid overuse of outlining and shadowing, it can be distracting. To make something stand out, use a larger font size, bold or underline instead. Whenever possible, use graphs, charts, tables, figures, pictures or lists instead of text to get your points across. Make sure your presentation flows in a logical sequence. It should have an introduction, body and conclusion, just like any other presentation. Posters don’t need to be "arty". Simplicity, ease of reading, etc., are more important than artistic flair. In a room full of posters, consider the visual impact your presentation needs to make in order to attract readers. Use colors behind panels to increase contrast and impact, but avoid fluorescent colors which will make things hard to read when someone gets closer. Consider bringing extra copies of your data and conclusions. Christina Coury MSW Candidate GRC MSW Program Abstract Depression is a debilitating mental illness characterized by feelings of sadness and anhedonia. It is the most common and prevalent mental illness in the United States and considered a public health concern. Depression has complex physiological, social, emotional and economic implications on both individuals and society. This mental illness is commonly treated, with antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, or brain stimulation therapies. These treatment options can be costly, inaccessible, and produce side effects along with long term complications. This literature review aims to seek out alternative research backed types of treatment for depression, specifically the effectiveness of exercise as a form of treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and co-occurring symptomology. These findings support the physiological, psychological, neurobiological, and social effects of exercise can contribute to changes within the body that are impacted by depression and positive mood. It is important to consider and research alternative treatment options that are sustainable, accessible, and positively impact the overall health of the public. Introduction Key Concepts Theory Self-Efficacy Theory Systems Theory Rational Choice Theory Person-Centered Theory Ecosystem Theory According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there is an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States that have/had at least one major depressive episode. Ages 18-25 have the highest prevalence of Major Depression Disorder. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America states that depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States among 15-44 years of age. In the United States depressive disorders estimated costs equal $26 billion dollars. Can Exercise be Considered an Effective Form of Treatment for Depression? Exercise has been shown to impact mood, influence and change psychological, physiological, and neurobiological components and has the potential to improve social aspects of an individuals life. Exercise can be combined with other traditional forms of treatment as well. Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior increases likelihood of developing symptoms of depression. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines: 2.5 hours moderate aerobic activity weekly or 1.5 hours of vigorous aerobic activity weekly plus Muscle strengthening activities 2x weekly Conclusion Major Depressive Disorder Traditional Treatment Options Importance to Social Work: the ability to incorporate exercise in Behavioral Activation (CBT), collaborate on interdisciplinary prevention efforts with public health professionals to create an initiative that supports not just treatment of depression but prevention of mental illness and depression, advocacy for Health Care Policy modifications to integrate exercise, support of client overall physical and mental health, and to help shift the treatment standards to consider alternative approaches. Implications: exercise can be considered a healthy and effective life style interventions to be used across lifespan for Major Depressive Disorder and depressive symptoms. Limitations: accessibility to resources, safety within living environment, lack of motivation and difficulties with motivating behavioral change, affordability, risks associated with exercise, and issues with adherence and recommended dose. Recommendations: additional research should be conducted regarding effective exercise dosage, combining treatment interventions, and utilization of large sample sizes in research to make results applicable to a broad population. Exercise program development that tailored to treatment of depressions as treatment alternative should be considered further with the assistance and support of other discipline. Depressed Mood Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure) Symptoms: Worthlessness or guilt Insomnia or hypersomnia Significant appetite or weight changes Indecisiveness or inability to concentrate Psychomotor agitation or retardation Fatigue or loss of energy Suicidal ideation Pharmacotherapy: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, Tricyclic antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy Brain Stimulation Therapy: Electroconvulsive Therapy, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Magnetic Seizure Therapy and Deep Brain Stimulation Research Of the 9 symptoms, a total of 5 or more must be present for at least 2 weeks and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Type: review of Meta Analyses and Randomized Control Trials Data Collection: participant questionnaires and scales used to measure mood, affect, symptomology, sedentary behavior, and exercise dose-response (regarding volume, length of time and intensity). Additional factors such as serotonin transporter genes, neurobiological elements, biological markers, and sleep quality were also measured and analyzed. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that exercise resulted in similar outcomes compared to traditional forms of treatment for depression in symptom reduction. Etiology: neurobiological factors, heredity, stress and trauma, co-occuring illnesses, environmental factors, and medications. Impact: functional impairment, social dysfunction, increased rate of disability, lack of productivity, and comorbidity with substance use. References See attached reference sheet