A new study has found that dancing may be as effective as antidepressant medication in treating symptoms of depression, offering fresh evidence for the powerful role of physical activity in mental health care.
Australian researchers report that aerobic exercises such as jogging, swimming, and dancing have the most significant impact on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Even light physical activity, including regular walking, was shown to produce noticeable improvements in mood and overall mental well-being.
The findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, were led by scientists at James Cook University in Queensland.
The researchers concluded that exercise should be prescribed with the same level of confidence as traditional treatments for depression.
They further recommended that public health policies formally incorporate exercise as an accessible, effective, and scientifically validated first-line intervention for mental health—particularly for young adults and women in the postnatal period, where the strongest benefits were observed.
Depression remains a major public health concern. In the United Kingdom, approximately one in six individuals experiences depression, with women facing nearly twice the risk compared to men.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that structured physical activity can play a central role in both preventing and managing common mental health disorders, potentially reducing reliance on medication for some patients under appropriate clinical guidance.
