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Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222)
Physical treatments and activities Physical treatments and activities
Use of light therapy Use of light therapy
1.4.41 Advise people with winter depression that follows a seasonal pattern and who
wish to try light therapy in preference to antidepressant medication or
psychological treatment that the evidence for the efficacy of light therapy is
uncertain. [2009] [2009]
Activities to help wellbeing Activities to help wellbeing
1.4.42 Advise people that doing any form of physical activity on a regular basis (for
example, walking, jogging, swimming, dance, gardening) could help enhance
their sense of wellbeing. The benefits can be greater if this activity is outdoors.
[2022] [2022]
1.4.43 Advise people that maintaining a healthy lifestyle (for example, eating a healthy
diet, not over-using alcohol, getting enough sleep) may help improve their sense
of wellbeing. See the also the NHS advice on mental wellbeing. [2022] [2022]
For a short explanation of why the committee made these consensus recommendations and
how they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on activities to help
wellbeing.
1.5 1.5 Treatment for a new episode of less severe Treatment for a new episode of less severe
depression depression
In this guideline, the term less severe depression includes the traditional categories of
subthreshold symptoms and mild depression.
Active monitoring in people who do not want treatment Active monitoring in people who do not want treatment
1.5.1 For people with less severe depression who do not want treatment, or people
who feel that their depressive symptoms are improving:
• discuss the presenting problem(s) and any underlying vulnerabilities and risk factors,
as well as any concerns that the person may have
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