Lifestyle management of unipolar depression

<jats:sec><jats:title>Objective</jats:title><jats:p>To be used in conjunction with ‘Pharmacological management of unipolar depression’ [Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;<jats:bold>127</jats:bold>(Suppl. 443):6–23] and ‘Psychological management of unipolar depression’ [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;<jats:bold>127</jats:bold>(Suppl. 443):24–37]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for lifestyle modifications in depression, derived from a literature review.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Method</jats:title><jats:p>A search of pertinent literature was conducted up to <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">A</jats:styled-content>ugust 2012 in the area of lifestyle factors and depression. A narrative review was then conducted.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>There is evidence that level of physical activity plays a role in the risk of depression, and there is a large and validated evidence base for exercise as a therapeutic modality. Smoking and alcohol and substance misuse appear to be independent risk factors for depression, while the new epidemiological evidence supports the contention that diet is a risk factor for depression; good quality diets appear protective and poor diets increase risk.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>Lifestyle modification, with a focus on exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol, may be of substantial value in reducing the burden of depression in individuals and the community.</jats:p></jats:sec>