The data on the efficacy of exercise as an intervention for MDD and bipolar disorder have yielded effect sizes comparable to medications [19–23]. Given the high rates of partial and non-response to pharmacological treatment and the need to improve mental and physical health outcomes, exercise may be particularly helpful for serving as an adjunctive treatment option for individuals with MDD, treatment-resistant depression, and bipolar disorder. Preliminary research also reports the benefits of exercise augmentation strategies added to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders or treatment as usual for depression [24, 25].
