Final answer:
Exercise has been shown to be effective in treating mild-to-moderate depression, with benefits comparable to antidepressants and extending to other central nervous system disorders. However, it has not been consistently recommended due to the historical emphasis on medication by healthcare professionals. Exercise's benefits for mental health and the 'runner's high' are supported by numerous studies.The correct option is 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
While regular aerobic exercise has been shown to have a significant positive effect on mild-to-moderate depression, its adoption as a standard treatment option in clinical practice has faced skepticism for several reasons. One of these is the historical focus on medication for treatment, as healthcare professionals have traditionally prioritized pharmaceuticals.
This is not because exercise is not evidence-based; in fact, numerous studies support its efficacy. Rather, it seems there may be a systemic reliance on medications due to their ease of prescription and monitoring, and possibly an underestimation of the multifaceted benefits exercise has on mental health.
Furthermore, the exercise-induced 'runner's high', or increase in euphoriant neurochemicals, contributes to exercise being beneficial not only for depression but also for other central nervous system disorders, as well as providing additional health advantages, such as reducing stress and improving positive self-esteem.