Comparison of the Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Antidepressant Medications on Depression and Sexual Desire of Depressed Middle-Aged Women

Abstract

IntroductionDepression is the most common psychiatric complication of modern living and considering its high prevalence and health costs, has drawn the attention of mental health professionals. Women are more prone to this disorder in comparison to their male counterparts (1,2). Depression is a chronic disorder that requires treatment with antidepressant drugs; but anti-depressant medications impose some unwanted side effects. Epidemiological evidence indicates that sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction are the most common and disturbing side effects of anti-depressants (3-7). On the other hand, sexual dysfunction is a common complication of depression.The normal human sexual response cycle is conventionally divided into 4 phases; desire, excitement, orgasm, and resolution. Any dysfunction in one or more of these phases may interfere with sexual function and lead to sexual disorders. This cycle is controlled by the interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, autonomic nervous system, sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen and progesterone), neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin and acetylcholine) and vasoactive peptides (8,9).Medical literatures suggest that regular exercise is important in maintaining women's health. Existing evidence indicated that physical exercise potentially boost and create positive changes in an individual's moods (10,11). Studies have shown that participation in regular physical activity has been linked to higher levels of sexual satisfaction (4). However, only few studies have been conducted to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and sexual function. In women, physical activities decrease with age and women are less active than men and tend to spend their leisure time in less strenuous activities. In addition, evidence showed that physical exercise alters menopausal symptoms, sleep cycle, moods, stress, depression and musculoskeletal disorders in women (12)(13)(14).Despite the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women, they choose not to divulge their problem for some cultural reasons and abstain from seeking medical solutions to their sexual problems (3,15). Since depression is the most common mental disorder in women, therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise and antidepressant medications on depression and sexual desire in middle aged women. Materials and MethodsThe present study is a quasi-experimental study. Our study population included 60 middle-aged women within the age range of 40-60 years diagnosed with depression AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise on depression and sexual desire in middleaged women diagnosed with depression. Materials and Methods:The present study is a quasi-experimental study. Sixty females volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly divided into 4 groups; group A was prescribed with antidepressant drug (n = 15), group B employed aerobic exercises (n = 15), group C combination of drug and aerobic exercise ...

Sexual Disability in Low Back Pain: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Framework for Physical Therapists

“…More comfortable positions [ 41 ], pillows and muscle-relaxing activities [ 42 ], pelvic floor training and sex education [ 43 ], walking [ 44 ], yoga [ 45 ], and increasing exercise capacity and self-confidence are suggested [ 46 ]. Physical exercise, both strength training and aerobic/cardiovascular training, appears an effective treatment for many aspects of sexual life: body image and self-esteem [ 47 ], sexual desire [ 48 ], sexual activity [ 49 , 50 ], erectile dysfunction [ 51 ], premature ejaculation [ 52 ], and depression [ 53 ]. Therefore, physical activity seems to have a positive effect on sexual function and may be considered in patients with LBP-related sexual disability.…”