Melancholic depression is a form of depression that should be considered separately from other forms of depression. I'm interested in why this is the case? How are the mechanisms different from other forms of depression? In addition, considering the severity of the symptoms (e.g. psychomotor, psychosis (in some cases), poor concentration, slowed speech, lack of concentration) is it worth increasing physical activity levels or altering diet? Anyone performed research in this area?
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The person with Melancholic depression or we can say dysthmia as mentioned by Michael Uebel is generally found in the people with cluster b or c personality type. the following link may appeal you http://australianhumanitiesreview.org/2007/02/01/the-demise-of-sadness-melancholia-depression-and-narcissism-in-late-modernity/
Apart from it, a study with pre and post finding with group therapy intervention and person centered and Gestalt may work with support of activity scheduling module.
You might want to refine your question by looking at how treatments differ for male versus female clientele. Causes for dysthymia in males tend to come from struggles with identity and gender role and as such should be treated with those factors in mind. Physical activity is often effective; particularly when combined with other males suffering from similar disorders.
Physical activity reduces the symptoms of depression. But the key question is which physical activity is effective for depression? Normal physical activity is of little help in reducing the symptoms of depression. You need to know which physical activity effectively relieves depression symptoms in order to manage depression. The primary mechanism for the onset of depression is a disorder in the brain's reward system. To eliminate depression, it is enough to prevent such violations. The existing methods of treatment of depression do not normalize the reward system of the brain, and often only worsen the patient's condition.
Thanks everyone for your feedback/answers. I've seen first hand the effects of melancholic depression on the motor function of an aerobically fit adolescent female (17 years old). From someone who could run 3km in 10min to now displaying psycho-motor retardation and only able to walk (slowly), within a few months.. Studies have shown differences in autonomic function (using HRV) between melancholic and non-melancholic depression with differences also in resting hear rate. These differences already are going to alter the value of the current aerobic exercise prescription guidelines. I feel that there is so much more work to be done in this area, together with understanding the interaction between depression, exercise and medication.
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